Maternal Healthcare Interventions and Utilization among Women in Barangay Dela Paz, Biñan City, Laguna: Basis for Developing a Comprehensive Maternal Healthcare Handbook
Juluis A. Jurado
*
University of Perpetual Help System, Laguna, Philippines.
Noel R. San Antonio
University of Perpetual Help System, Laguna, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This study assessed women's perceived effectiveness of the Maternal Health Care Intervention Programme and the Maternal Health Care Utilization Programme among pregnant, childbearing and postpartum women in Barangay Dela Paz, City of Biñan, Laguna. It also determined the relationship between perceived maternal healthcare interventions and maternal healthcare utilization as the basis for developing a Comprehensive Maternal Health Care Handbook.
Study Design: Descriptive-developmental research design.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Barangay Health Center of Barangay Dela Paz, City of Biñan, Laguna, Philippines, among eligible respondents during the approved data collection period.
Methodology: A total of 116 respondents from a population of 164 participated in the study. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews using a researcher-made questionnaire validated by experts. Ethical approval and informed consent were secured before data collection. Weighted mean was used to assess the effectiveness of the Maternal Health Care Intervention Programme and the Maternal Health Care Utilization Programme, while the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to determine the relationship between the two variables.
Results: Respondents perceived both the Maternal Health Care Intervention Programme and the Maternal Health Care Utilization Programme as highly effective. The highest ratings were given to the competence and attitude of healthcare providers, accessibility of health facilities, and availability of medical supplies. Lower ratings were observed for patient education, follow-up care, and equipment availability, indicating areas for improvement. Correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between respondents' perceptions of maternal healthcare interventions and maternal healthcare utilization (r = 0.612, p < 0.001), indicating that higher perceived effectiveness of maternal healthcare interventions was associated with higher levels of maternal healthcare utilization among respondents.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that respondents who perceived maternal healthcare interventions more positively also tended to report higher maternal healthcare utilization. These results reflect participants' perceptions and indicate an association between perceived maternal healthcare interventions and utilization, rather than direct measurement of clinical effectiveness or maternal health outcomes. Strengthening patient education, ensuring regular follow-up, and improving healthcare resources may further enhance women's experiences and encourage greater utilization of maternal health services. The developed Comprehensive Maternal Health Care Handbook is recommended as a health education resource to support maternal health promotion and improve the perceived quality and utilization of maternal healthcare services within the community.
Keywords: Maternal health, maternal healthcare intervention, maternal healthcare utilization, maternal health services, pregnant women, postpartum care, community health, health education.