TAF PUBLISHING

Antenatal care is known as the key component of complete maternal health care services given to pregnant women. It monitors and assesses both the mother and the baby for any possibility of complications. However, despite the known benefits of antenatal care, many pregnant women have not completed quality antenatal care, specifically in Barangay Pichon, Caraga, Davao Oriental, Philippines. Furthermore, this study was anchored on the Transcultural Nursing Theory of Madeleine Leininger. This theory was utilized in this study to provide care congruent with the cultural values, beliefs, and practices of the Mandaya mothers. This qualitative study aimed to explore the viewpoints of Mandaya mothers on antenatal care. Participants were selected purposively and were limited to multigravida mothers who belong to the Mandaya Tribe and are of legal age. Moreover, five (5) Mandaya mothers participated in the in-depth interview, and seven (7) Mandaya mothers participated in the focus group discussion. After the data gathering, three emergent themes were formulated following Colaizi’s Method of Analysis. Furthermore, results showed that antenatal care prevents pregnancy risks and complications, ensures good fetal health conditions and teaches proper care and the maintenance of the newborn and responsible parenthood. Moreover, the findings revealed that Mandaya mothers experienced a sense of security and confidence in conservative practices and beliefs, deterrence due to perilous roads and travel conditions, and impediments due to a lack of financial resources. In addition, Mandaya mothers shared the significance of antenatal care and were hopeful about government action. Further research that focuses on indigenous people with diverse beliefs and practices regarding antennal care is recommended. In conclusion, this research emphasizes that collaborative efforts of the local governments and medical professionals may enhance maternal and child health outcomes. This may also be improved if compliance with antenatal protocols were followed by mothers.