Exploring the causes of and risk factors for maternal deaths in a rural Nigerian referral hospital
Okonta, P.I.; Okali, U.K.; Otoide, V.O.; Twomey, D.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology the Journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 22(6): 626-629
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0144-3615 PMID: 12554249 DOI: 10.1080/0144361021000020394Document Number: 234191
A 10-year (1990-9) review of all maternal deaths at Mater Misericordiae Hospital is presented. A total of 104 deaths occurred out of 13,391 deliveries (MMR 777/100,000). Haemorrhage, sepsis and Hypertensive diseases in pregnancy were the leading causes of death. Age below 15, Nulliparity, Grandmultiparity, low socio-economic class, lack of formal education and being unbooked were also significant risk factors. Delay in accessing health facility was also an identified contributing factor. Public enlightenment to encourage utilisation of antenatal facilities, prompt referral of complicated cases and adequate equipping of the referral hospital is suggested.