Extent of Implementation of the Unang Yakap Protocol and Perceived Barriers Among Health Professionals in Selected Hospitals in Antipolo City

This study determined the extent of implementation of the Unang Yakap Protocol among health professionals in selected hospitals in Antipolo City and identified the perceived barriers affecting its implementation. Specifically, it examined the respondents’ demographic profile, the extent of implementation in terms of immediate drying of the newborn, skin-to-skin contact, proper timing of cord clamping, and early initiation of breastfeeding, as well as the perceived barriers in terms of knowledge and training, staffing and workload. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed using a researcher-made questionnaire administered to 63 health professionals, including delivery room nurses, labor room nurses, and registered midwives. Frequency, percentage, weighted mean, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, independent samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used in the analysis of data. Findings revealed that the Unang Yakap Protocol was implemented to a very high extent across all dimensions, with early initiation of breastfeeding obtaining the highest overall mean and skin-to-skin contact the lowest among the four indicators. Knowledge and training were not perceived as major barriers, whereas staffing and workload emerged as the most significant barrier. No significant relationship was found between perceived barriers and the extent of implementation, and no significant difference was noted when grouped according to demographic profile. Based on the findings, the GIORGIA Program was proposed.