Satisfaction of Care, Perceived Paternal Engagement, and Childbirth Outcomes Among Postpartum Mothers in District Hospitals in Iloilo, Philippines

This mixed-methods study examined satisfaction of care, perceived paternal engagement, and childbirth outcomes among postpartum mothers in selected district hospitals in Iloilo Province, Philippines. Guided by Mercer’s Becoming a Mother Theory and Swanson’s Theory of Caring, the study focused on describing maternal profiles, levels of satisfaction, perceived paternal engagement, and perceived childbirth outcomes, and exploring mothers’ experiences of care and father involvement during labor and delivery. A quantitative descriptive–correlational design was used with 300 postpartum mothers selected through stratified random sampling, who completed a researcher-developed questionnaire on satisfaction of care, perceived paternal engagement, and childbirth outcomes (physical recovery, emotional well-being, and breastfeeding initiation). In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 purposively selected mothers to enrich and explain quantitative findings. Results showed a largely normative reproductive profile, high overall satisfaction with care, and high perceived paternal engagement, with childbirth outcomes rated at a moderate level. Satisfaction of care did not differ significantly across age, civil status, parity, length of labor, or mode of delivery. Qualitative narratives highlighted calm and attentive providers, continuous guidance, and fathers’ emotional presence and practical support as central to positive childbirth experiences. The findings underscore the value of father-inclusive, family-centered maternity care in district hospitals and provide a basis for a context-specific program to strengthen paternal engagement and supportive intrapartum care.