Mothers’ Perspectives on Utilization of Maternal Health Services in Rural Health Units in Luzon: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction. Despite implementing various maternal health care programs and integrating these into Service Delivery Networks, the Philippines continues to have high maternal mortality. Identifying factors that impede the utilization of available maternal care services may help reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and bridge the gap between the need and actual use of such services among mothers in the community.Objectives. This study identified barriers, hindrances, and other factors influencing mothers in availing maternal health services in Luzon, the largest island in the country and the area that accounted for more than half of total maternal mortality.Methods. Eight focus group discussions participated in by a total of 78 pregnant women and mothers were conducted across all of the eight regions of Luzon. In each session, the participants were asked to answer questions based on a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were recorded, translated and back-translated, transcribed, and compiled before analysis by the deductive-dominant approach using NVivo12.Results. Factors affecting maternal health service utilization center on the capacity of health facilities to provide services like evaluation of the progress of pregnancy, laboratory examinations, free medicines, and immunizations; and on region-bound individual factors. The availability of skilled health personnel and lack of financial resources were the most common subthemes. Conclusion.This study identified some key factors that deter patients from availing of existing maternal health services in Luzon. Eliminating these barriers will not only help strengthen local health infrastructure and improve service delivery but also promote the utilization of such services, leading to better maternal outcomes.