Exploring the Intersection of Financial and Maternal Health Literacy among Women

Abstract

Maternal health literacy and financial capacity are universally recognized as crucial determinants of maternal and child health outcomes across the globe. In recent years, research from every continent has converged on the finding that both knowledge and economic means critically shape women’s access to, and utilization of, maternal health services. This qualitative phenomenological study explores the intersection of financial and maternal health literacy among women in Barangay Batinguel, Dumaguete City, Philippines. Twelve (12) women participated in in-depth interviews, revealing how financial constraints and limited health literacy jointly shape maternal healthcare access and decision-making. Thematic analysis identified five (5) primary themes: 1.) Financial Barriers Restrict Access to Maternal Care; 2.) Maternal Health Literacy Gaps Amplify Vulnerability; 3.) Financial Realities Dictate Health Decisions; 4.) Coping Strategies Highlight Resilience and Systemic Gaps; and 5.) Demand for Integrated, Hyper-Local Solutions. Findings reveal a cyclical relationship between poverty and health literacy, where limited resources restrict information access, and poor health decisions exacerbate economic strain. The study highlights the resilience of women navigating these challenges but underscores systemic gaps in policy and service delivery. Recommendations include subsidizing indirect costs, enhancing frontline health worker training, and leveraging digital platforms for culturally adapted education. These insights advocate for dual-pronged interventions to break the poverty-health illiteracy cycle and advance maternal equity in low-resource settings.