Explicating factors affecting prenatal health among selected pregnant mothers through conjoint analysis

Abstract

Introduction

Complications during pregnancy and childbirth are the leading causes of death and disability among women of reproductive age in developing countries. Only half of women worldwide receive the recommended amount of care during pregnancy. In the Philippines, a noticeable increase will also be among women of reproductive age. Last 2018, there were 27,713,110 women of reproductive age (aged 15–49). This is an increase of over 400,000 from the previous year's projection. 94% of women age 15 – 49 with a live birth in the five (5) years preceding the survey received prenatal care from a skilled provider for their most recent birth. 87% of women had four or more prenatal visits for their most recent birth; 71% had their first visit during the first trimester.

Objective

The study aimed to explicate the factors affecting prenatal health among selected pregnant mothers in the City of Mabalacat, Pampanga, which is grounded to this central question: “What are the specific indicators that mainly affect the prenatal health among pregnant mothers?”

Method

It employed a conjoint analysis using card sort approach involving 150 pregnant mothers situated from the three (3) Rural Health Units (RHUs) of Mabalacat City, Pampanga, Philippines recruited via purposive sampling technique under the following criteria: (1) 15–49 years of age, (2) pregnant mothers regardless of their trimester, (3) either literate or illiterate and (4) willing to participate. Excluded were (1) teenage pregnant mother age <15 years old, and (2) those who were having their full-time check-up from a private institution (i.e. hospital, clinic, birthing homes, or with private obstetrician [OB]).

Result

Results showed that Prenatal Health Information (54.52) had the highest relative importance over Prenatal Barriers (27.56) and Prenatal Influence (17.92). Moreover, Health Promotion and Awareness (0.54), Doctors (1.18), and Culture (0.35) directly affected the prenatal health among pregnant mothers based on the preferences sorted by the respondents.

Conclusion

The study implies that health promotion and information is still the key in achieving the prenatal health among pregnant mothers during prenatal care.