Evaluation of Self-Care Practices of Pregnant Women in Barangay Apas, Cebu City, Philippines

Pregnancy is considered a state of wellness where few special precautions or advice are necessary. This is because the developing fetus depends on the mother’s healthy body for all its needs. As a result, pregnant women need to take precautions and prioritize their health and nutrition to ensure the well-being of both them and their baby. The health of the mother and the unborn child is greatly impacted by self-care practices throughout pregnancy. This study utilized a researcher-made questionnaire and a descriptive-correlational research approach. The study was conducted at the Barangay Apas Health Center, where initial contact was established with the barangay health staff. Subsequently, questionnaires were distributed to pregnant women during their mother’s class. A total sampling technique was employed, with N=41 pregnant women participating as research subjects. The simple percentage, weighted mean, and chi-square test of independence were used to treat the data statistically. The findings revealed a notable emphasis on the physical dimension of self-care, with consistent practice compared to the intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Despite the varying degrees of emphasis across the five dimensions, the pregnant women demonstrated a good understanding and application of self-care practices. Pregnant women selected from Barangay Apas mostly exhibited a good awareness of appropriate self-care practices during pregnancy, adhering to them effectively. Despite this, no significant correlation was found between the respondents’ profiles and their overall self-care practices. This therefore, highlights the significance of adopting individualized and holistic approaches to address the diverse needs and practices of pregnant women. The findings of this study can serve as a valuable resource for pregnant women, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and information to improve their self-care practices effectively through adopting scientifically proven procedures and strategies which can ensure the well-being and welfare of both them and their babies.