Facilitating Factors and Barriers to Newborn Screening Uptake in the Cordillera Administrative Region and Region V

Abstract

Background: Republic Act 9288 or the Newborn Screening Act of 2004 was enacted. A multi-sector effort
towards systematic screening of newborn disorders and built-in systems for subsequent confirmatory tests for
positively screened as well as treatment for confirmed cases was likewise implemented. Despite multi-sector
efforts and continuous quality improvement mechanisms, national newborn screening coverage remained low
for several years.

Objective: The study determined factors that influence Newborn Screening (NBS) uptake from various
perspectives: mothers, health providers, and program administrators.

Methods: Framework analysis of NBS program documents, 25 focus group discussions and 37 key informant
interviews of mothers, health providers and program administrators were done in purposively selected
communities in the Cordillera Administrative Region and Region V.

Results and Conclusions: Findings showed the need to disseminate correct NBS procedures, especially upon obtaining positive results. Financing issues were addressed innovatively, but system administrators and health providers required a common understanding of program implementation. Monitoring geographically hard-toreach areas remained a challenge. Barriers outside the system adversely affected filter cards availability, specimen transport, and release of results. Improved online and paper-based educational campaign, greater local government unit support, streamlined PhilHealth processes, a workload-based manpower complement for monitoring, and continuity clinics to handle positive findings can increase NBS uptake.