As New Challenges Emerge, Africa is Still Faced with Sociocultural and Health System Challenges Leading to Maternal Mortality

Abstract

Globally, the most crucial element of development strategies is a decrease in maternal mortality. Every 2 minutes, a pregnant woman dies from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth. According to studies, the majority of pregnancy and delivery difficulties are mostly influenced by sociocultural and health system factors. PUBMED, Google Scholar, National EDT, EBSCOHost, and Science Direct databases were used to find relevant articles. The process for choosing relevant and qualified articles was based on a PRISMA flowchart. The standard of the accepted articles was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skill Program (CASP) checklists. This study employed a thematic analysis, and in the articles on sociocultural and healthcare system factors influencing maternal mortality, six themes and 23 subthemes were found. It was determined that most women choose to consult traditional experts during pregnancy or childbirth rather than health facilities, and that there is little interaction between societal expectations and the healthcare system, which further contributes to problems and maternal mortality. This study found that social, cultural, and health system factors may directly and indirectly contribute to maternal mortality. It is also recommended that cultural norms and health system norms collaborate together to reduce maternal mortality.