Del Rosario, A. B. (2017). Improving the antenatal care service utilization in San Quintin, Pangasinan (Unpublished master's thesis).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.

The health status of women is an important indicator of the general health and well-being of the population. In San Quintin, Pangasinan, there is a decreasing trend in antenatal care utilization which resulted to an increased risk morbidity of mothers. The objectives of this study are to determine the factors affecting antenatal care service utilization and to identify strategies that will improve early pregnancy tracking in the municipality of San Quintin. The study employed documentary analysis, key informant interview and rapid assessment questionnaire to identify current status of antenatal care utilization. Three themes as contributors to the low utilization: (1) poor LGU support to health-related projects; (2) poor organization of the RHU; (3) inadequate information. Strategies are then formulated to address the identified contributors, these are: (1) to improve working relationship of RHU with stakeholders; (2) to create a Maternal Incentive Program; (3) to empower RHU staff thru incentive system using PhilHealth capitation; and (4) to cinduct massive IEC on maternal care services. The strategies were implemented and its impact was assessed. The antenatal care indicators were compared after intervention. It is observed that there is a significant increase in the number of pregnant patients with 4 or more visits and with 2 tetanus toxoid vaccinations after the interventions.