Roles and Functions of Rural Health Midwives in Cordillera Administrative Region: A Qualitative Pilot Study

Authors

  • Eva Belingon Felipe-Dimog Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan; Nursing Department, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, Mountain Province, Philippines
  • Fu-Wen Liang Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
  • Ma-Am Joy R. Tumulak Institute of Human Genetics, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines; College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6880-1523
  • Min-Tao Hsu School of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
  • Arel B. Sia-ed Teacher Education Department, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, Mountain Province, Philippines
  • Yvette Joy B. Dumalhin Nursing Department, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, Mountain Province, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.5326

Keywords:

midwives, rural health settings, rural midwives, professional practice, midwife functions

Abstract

Background. Midwives have been frontline health professionals at the grassroots level, especially in rural communities. Their role was expanded from maternal and child healthcare providers to primary healthcare services providers. Despite their expanded functions, there have been limited studies investigating the professional practice of midwifery in the Philippines in a rural setting.

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the professional practice of midwives in selected rural areas in the
Cordillera Administrative Region, Philippines.

Methods. This research is a qualitative pilot study using a semi-structured interview guide to collect the data. Key informant interviews were conducted through mobile phone calls convenient for the participants from September to October 2021. Data were analyzed through qualitative content analysis.

Results. A total of seven rural health midwives participated in this study. From the data analysis, six themes emerged related to the professional functions of rural Filipino midwives: 1) antenatal and postnatal care, 2) basic emergency obstetrical and newborn care, 3) health education and counseling, 4) treating common children and adult infections, 5) health promotion, and 6) beyond midwifery role.

Conclusion. Rural midwives play a role in providing several primary healthcare services mandated by the
government and the profession. They also offer health services beyond their scope as midwives because of
geographical difficulties and logistic issues. The findings inform the policymaker to review and amend the
expanded roles of practicing midwives so that they will be empowered in providing quality and legal healthcare
services. The study results will also be important in preparing midwives for rural midwifery practice.

 

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Published

2023-06-28

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Articles

How to Cite

1.
Roles and Functions of Rural Health Midwives in Cordillera Administrative Region: A Qualitative Pilot Study. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2023 Jun. 28 [cited 2025 Apr. 4];57(6). Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/5326

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