Community perceptions of the causes and prevention of maternal mortality

Abstract

The objective was to identify community members' perceptions of the causes and prevention of maternal mortality in Ibadan, North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Reported in this article are the results from a pilot study, carried out in 2005, of the views of 418 community men and women aged 15–49 years in Idi ape, Iwo Road and Okeadu areas of Ibadan North East. Data were collected over a two-week period using interviews with a structured questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions. People's perceptions of the causes and prevention of maternal death varied widely. Both medical and non-medical factors were reported as being responsible. The perceived causes of maternal mortality ranged from medical/obstetrical to individual, health personnel, governmental and supernatural causes. Participants stated that to prevent maternal mortality in this setting, awareness creation of the causes of maternal mortality is crucial and that a lot of political will is needed from the government of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. The government should improve the provision of well-equipped health facilities staffed by qualified health professionals providing a free or subsidised service. For a fuller understanding of maternal morbidity and mortality, it is important to consider factors outside the hospital and formal medical practice. These findings have important implications for the design and implementation of safe motherhood programmes and in formulation of safe motherhood policy in Nigeria.