An Exploratory Study on Maternal Healthcare Barriers in Barangay Kaingin 1, using the Integrated Patient-Centered Healthcare Services Framework (IPCHSF) and the National Safe Motherhood Program (NSMP)

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Adonah Isalyn B. Laza, Miriam College, Yolola HeightsFollow
Keanne Elisha E. Bulotano, Miriam College, Loyola HeightsFollow
Micah Althea E. Fontanilla, Miriam College, Loyola HeightsFollow
Hali Therez A. Hernandez, Miriam College, Loyola HeightsFollow
Julia Nicole D.G. De Guzman, Miriam College, Loyola HeightsFollow
Eunice G. Pacifico, Miriam CollegeFollow

Document Type

Paper Presentation

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Pacifico, Eunice G.

Abstract/Executive Summary

Despite the implementation of national programs like the National Safe Motherhood Program (NSMP) that aim to improve maternal health outcomes, many women in the Philippines continue to face barriers in accessing quality maternal healthcare (MHC) due to systemic, societal, and psychological factors. Ongoing issues such as poor service delivery, limited health education, and the lack of autonomy in decision-making—particularly in underserved communities—discourage women from seeking care. This study investigates these barriers and how they shape the overall well-being of mothers in Miriam College’s partnered community, Kaingin 1, using the Integrated People-Centered Health Services Framework (IPCHSF) as a lens. Through an exploratory descriptive approach (EDA), the study gathered data from 20 women aged 30–40 through semi-structured questionnaires and a focus group discussion (FGD). Reflexive thematic analysis identified key barriers: limited accessibility to services, financial constraints, lack of medical knowledge, mistreatment from healthcare providers (HCPs), and psychosocial challenges rooted in cultural expectations. In response, the study recommends strengthening healthcare education, improving provider training on patient-centered care, integrating mental health support in maternal services, and implementing community-based policy reforms. This research highlights the need for more intersectional and context-sensitive approaches to maternal care and offers localized insights to support the improvement of MHC systems in low-resource settings.

Keywords

exploratory descriptive approach (EDA); healthcare barriers; healthcare quality; Kaingin 1 community; maternal healthcare (MHC) access