J Prev Med Public Health.  2025 Jan;58(1):44-51. 10.3961/jpmph.24.245.

Institutional Delivery in the Philippines: Does a Minimum of 8 Antenatal Care Visits Matter?

• Senewe FP
• Laksono AD
• Massie RGA
• Latifah L
• Nuraini S
• Agustiya RI
• Propiana JK
• Nugraheni WP

• KMID: 2564062
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.24.245

Abstract

Objectives
This cross-sectional study investigated the association between the utilization of 8 antenatal care (ANC) visits and delivery in a healthcare institution in the Philippines, using data from the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey.
Methods
A sample of women who had given birth within the past 3 years was selected for analysis (n=4452). The association between ANC utilization and institutional delivery was assessed using logistic regression models, covariates by relevant socio-demographic factors, and childbirth history.
Results
We found that 97.2% of respondents who completed ANC opted for institutional delivery. A higher proportion of rural residents did not undergo institutional delivery than urban residents (12.9 vs. 6.9%). The group aged 20-24 years had the highest coverage (92.8%), and the group aged 40-44 years had the lowest. Higher education levels, employment, and greater wealth were associated with higher institutional delivery rates. Divorced or widowed mothers (85.1%) and grand multiparous mothers had lower rates than other groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a significant positive association between ANC utilization and institutional deliveries after adjusting for covariates (adjusted odds ratio, 2.486; 95% confidence interval, 2.485 to 2.487; p<0.001).
Conclusions
ANC visits were associated with deliveries in institutions in the Philippines. Policymakers should promote ANC by ensuring 8 World Health Organization-recommended visits, strengthening programs, conducting community outreach, addressing access barriers, and integrating maternal health services to increase institutional births and improve maternal and infant health.

Keyword

Delivery obstetrics, Antenatal care, Prenatal care, Pregnancy, Fetal monitoring, Maternal health