Mangunay, K. C. M. (2017). Integrating mental health in the safe motherhood program in Torrijos, Marinduque (Unpublished master's thesis). Graduate School of Public and Development Management, Development Academy of the Philippines.

Graduate School of Public and Development Management Health Systems and Development Batch 7 Thesis (MPM-HSD)--Development Academy of the Philippines.

Maternal mental health is a critical, understated aspect if safe motherhood and mental health problems arising during and after pregnancy may have been significant long term consequences to the mother, child and the entire family. The World health Organization recommends the integration of mental health into maternal care programs. In rural communities like Torrijos, Marinduque, reporting cases of mental health problems illnesses is rare but is likely to be underreported and undertreated. There were three cases identified in the municipality. This qualitative, descriptive study aims to assess the mental health aspects of the safe motherhood program in Torrijos, Marinduque, and sustainably and effectively integrate interventions in the program that will ensure maternal well being and mental health during and after pregnancy. Extensive document review was performed to analyze the gaps in the safe motherhood and mental health programs in the provision of maternal mental health services. Key informant interview among identified patients were conducted to characterize their illness, identify peculiarities on symptomatology and timing, and elicit possible contributing factors for their conditions. A focus group discussion was conducted among the nurses and midwives to elucidate problem perception and gather critical recommendations on the interventions needed to address the problem, basing on their experiences and considering their present work nature and load. Expert interviews were conducted with a medical specialist, the local chief executive and a legislator to identify effective integration points and seek mechanisms for sustainability. In the Philippines, the national Safe Motherhood Program has not emphasized the provision of mental health interventions for pregnant and postpartum women in the past decades, leaving a significant gap in health service delivery. The Philippine Health Agenda 2016 2022 provides a comprehensive set of core service packages including communication strategies for mental health and well being for all pregnant women, screening of all postpartum women for mental health conditions, and the provision of treatment services for all afflicted with mental health illness during this period. Maternal mental health interventions in a primary care setting must include communication and education strategies, emphasize the provision of psychosocial support, include specific and sensitive screening processes for mental health problems and other risk factors, and must be strategically integrated in the existing maternal care program schedule to maximize resources and minimize disruption on the existing program schedule. These were all considered in designing a manual of procedure for mental health screening of pregnant and postpartum women based on the output of key informant interviews and focus group discussions, basing on extensive literature review and search. The integration of mental health in the safe motherhood program entails a functional service delivery network which includes capacitated health workers, sustained logistical support to include supplies and medicines, a referral system, and institutions that will provide higher level of care. Executive, legislative and administrative issuances ensure the program integrations sustainability and viability.