Awareness on Prenatal Care Among Mothers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsis.V1.I1.49Keywords:
Health Promotion Model, Maternal Health, Perceived Barriers, Perceived Susceptibility, Prenatal Care, Self-Efficacy, Zamboanga CityAbstract
This study assessed awareness of prenatal care among mothers in Barangay Sangali, Divisoria, and Zambowood in Zamboanga City, focusing on perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy. Anchored in Nola J. Pender’s Health Promotion Model, the study employed a quantitative-descriptive survey design involving 300 purposively selected primiparous and multiparous mothers aged 18–45 years, with 100 respondents from each barangay. Data were collected using a researcher-made five-point Likert-scale questionnaire that underwent expert validation and pilot testing and demonstrated high internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.87. Frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and One-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. Mothers demonstrated very high perceived susceptibility (4.90), perceived benefits (4.82), and self-efficacy (4.80), while perceived barriers were low (1.97), resulting in an overall high prenatal-care awareness score of 4.12. Financial constraints represented the highest perceived barrier, although still rated low. The analysis reported no significant differences in overall awareness according to age, civil status, and religion, while differences were identified according to ethnicity and educational attainment. The study concludes that mothers generally understand the risks and benefits associated with prenatal care and possess strong confidence in engaging with prenatal services. It recommends regular prenatal check-ups, credible maternal-health information, family involvement, continued community health education and advocacy by healthcare workers, and broader future research. The study aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by supporting maternal and infant health and SDG 5: Gender Equality by emphasizing women’s knowledge, self-efficacy, and informed maternal-health decision-making. Its sustainability contribution encompasses public health, socio-economic, educational, community, and institutional sustainability by providing community-specific evidence for strengthening prenatal-care awareness, accessibility, health education, and maternal and child health.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Hudjaima M. Mariwa, RN, MN, Amal M. Julpilar, Leigh-hart C. Jawad, Casey S. Lanipa, Janbry M. Dacara (Author)
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