Maternal Health Seeking Behaviours in Selected Rural Areas of Southern Palawan: Basis for Maternal Health Education Plan

According to World Health Organization 2020, Almost 800 women died from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. A maternal death occurred almost every two minutes. Care by skilled health professionals before, during and after childbirth can save the lives of women and newborns. This study investigated the maternal health-seeking behaviours of mothers in selected rural areas of Southern Palawan as a basis for developing a maternal health education plan. Specifically, it examined how education and knowledge, socio-economic status, family structure, and proximity to healthcare facilities influence maternal healthcare decisions. A total of 150 mothers from the municipalities of Aborlan, Narra, and Bataraza participated in the study through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the relationships between maternal health-seeking behaviours and socio-demographic variables such as age, educational attainment, marital status, number of pregnancies, religion, employment status, monthly income, and ethnicity. Findings revealed that educational awareness significantly contributes to timely maternal healthcare utilization, while socio-economic constraints, family responsibilities, and geographic barriers remain critical challenges. Strong familial support and community-based health education were found to positively influence mothers' behaviours, but financial and accessibility issues persist among unemployed and low-income groups. The study also highlighted significant correlations between demographic factors and maternal health-seeking patterns emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. In conclusion, empowering mothers through localized health education, improving healthcare infrastructure, and implementing culturally sensitive, inclusive and accessible maternal programs are essential steps toward enhancing maternal health outcomes in rural communities. Based on these findings, a comprehensive maternal health education plan is recommended to bridge knowledge gaps and address systemic barriers in maternal care. Also, the study suggested other factors to be explored and studied.