TY  - GEN
AU  - Padillo, Davie Janine S.
AU  - Cajes, Alan S. (Chairperson)
AU  - Mendez, Corazon M. (Institutional Partner)
AU  - Rabago, Charmaine Ann M. (Defense Panel Member)
TI  - Improving utilization of quality prenatal care services through intensified pregnancy tracking and surveillance in the four geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA) barangays of Carmen, Davao del Norte
KW  - Prenatal care services--Carmen, Davao del Norte, Philippines
KW  - Maternal health
KW  - Childbirth
N1  - Graduate School of Public and Development Management
N2  - Prenatal care is an integral strategy in ensuring maternal and child health. The continuum of care approach has recently been highlighted as a core principle of programs for maternal, newborn, and child health to reduce deaths among these vulnerable populations. This is reflected in the Philippines Health Agenda 2022, which emphasizes on delivering essential health services at different stages in the life cycle, recognizing the importance of maternal health to achieving better health outcomes. The Department of Health Regional Office XI has formulayed a thrust, walang nanay at sanggol ang mamatay dahil sa panganganak. A set of indicators for quality prenatal care was identified. In the Municipality of Carmen, Davao del Norte, it was noted that there is a low percentage of women given quality prenatal care based on the indicators identified by DOG RO XI. This study was conducted to determine population characteristics that influence utilization of prenatal services in the area. Descriptive analysis of data gathered form document analysis, survey and key informant interviews was done. Document analysis revealed poor antenatal care attendance, with first prenatal visits done after the nfirst trimester of pregnancy. The results of the survey and key informant interviews revealed differences in utilization of services among women. Poor antenatal care attendance was common among younger women with lower gravidity. Late first prenatal visit was identified as a contributory factor to the low percentage of women given quality prenatal care. These were addressed by three main strategies community health team mobilization through active tracking of pregnant in the community, improved service delivery, and increasing the awareness of women on the importance of prenatal care through health information and education campaigns. Improved early ANC attendance was noted, facilitating delivery of essential services. Determining population characteristics that influence service utilization, and implementing strategies addressing the gaps identified led to increase in utilization of prenatal services
ER  -