OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the role of the Ifugao Community Health Teams, or the Ayods that function as frontline health workers, responsible for tracking pregnant women, bringing them to clinics for check-ups and encouraging planned facility-based birth. Specifically, this study examines their contribution to the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Project, jointly initiated by the Philippines Department of Health (DOH) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Commencing in 2006 and ending in 2010, the project aimed to improve the health and safety of mothers and newborns by ensuring the availability of quality health care, and increasing utilization of health facility and services.
METHODS: A qualitative interpretive descriptive approach was used to guide the study. Three focus group discussions were conducted to collect data from a total of 21 participants, who were active members of the Community Health Teams in one municipality in Ifugao. To work with these data, an a priori template analysis was used to assist in identifying themes within the data.
RESULTS: This study has highlighted three major themes: (1) Collaborative efforts of the Ayods play a role in the achievement of significant health outcomes for the community; (2) Equity, access and beliefs are key factors in the delivery of health care; and (3) Sustainability is secured through self-reliance and volunteerism.
CONCLUSION: The engagement of Ayods to trace and support pregnant women appears to have several successful health outcomes. The employment of existing community health workers and volunteers enabled the creation of sustainable model for isolated communities. It is anticipated that this vital service will continue to be provided. Nevertheless it will require ongoing and increasing support through the provision of allowances, education and community commitment to voluntary work.

Human ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Community Health Workers ; Focus Groups ; Pregnant Women ; Delivery Of Health Care ; Health Facilities

OBJECTIVES: To investigate home visiting for mothers and young infants, age birth-to-12 months, program goals, interventions used, home visitor characteristics and qualifications, and the program content and outcomes. METHODS: Electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, and Sagepub were used. Eleven studies investi- gating home visiting from 2011-to-2016 were included. Studies were included if they: 1) were a primary study; 2) commenced during the antepartum or early postpartum period for mothers and finished before or when the infant was 12 months old; 3) and provided a description of home visiting program in terms of goal, type of home visitor, content, length, and outcomes. Data extraction included goals, activities, home visitor characteristics and qualifications, and outcomes. A descriptive approach was used to synthesize data. RESULTS: Home visiting impacted birth preparedness, newborn care practices, breastfeeding practices, and home environment necessary for maternal wellness and child health and development. CONCLUSION Home visits in developed and underdeveloped countries create positive outcomes for mothers and infants. It is important to understand the process in order to make it more effective.