Health-Related Quality of Life during Pregnancy of Filipino Patients with Antiphospholipid Syndrome in Philippine General Hospital
A Qualitative Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70552/pjaai.26.1.17473Keywords:
Health-related quality of life, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), pregnantAbstract
Objective: This study aims to provide qualitative data on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during pregnancy of Filipino patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
Methodology: This study utilized focus group discussions (FGDs) to gather experiences, perceptions, and behaviors of patients with APS during their pregnancy. Participants included pregnant patients or patients who delivered in the past 6 months, diagnosed with APS, whether classified as Secondary APS, Primary APS, or Non-criteria APS. This is a qualitative study that underwent five stages in data analysis: 1) data collection, 2) familiarizing and identifying thematic framework, 3) indexing, ranking, and listing of statements per theme, 4) rearranging context under appropriate thematic content, and 5) mapping and interpretation.
Results: A total of 5 FGDs were conducted, with 15 participants in all. The majority (93%) had poor overall quality of life. The most common factor was the medication's financial implications. Most had limitations in daily activities (87%) and sleep disturbance (67%). All participants expressed satisfaction with access to healthcare and with the services they received at the hospital. Support from the partner and family, and following the doctor's advice, were the most common coping mechanisms for the disease and its management.
Conclusion: The majority of patients demonstrated understanding of the basic knowledge of APS. Despite satisfaction with access to health services and information from physicians, there was dissatisfaction with overall quality of life, mainly due to the financial burden of medication, which also caused physical and psychological dissatisfaction. In contrast, financial support from family fostered social satisfaction.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Raisa Cagurangan Millan, MD, Mary Anne R. Castor, MD, Carol Stephanie C. Tan-Lim, MD, Jenifer R. Otadoy-Agustin, MD, Roxanne J. Casis Hao, MD, Maria Bettina P. Quiambao, MD, Ma. Socorro L. Agcaoili-De Jesus, MD, Cherie C. Ocampo-Cervantes, MD, Lara Theresa Alentajan-Aleta, MD
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