Crossing the river: health of mothers and children in rural Cambodia

Abstract

The under-five mortality rate in Cambodia is estimated to be as high as 135 per 1000 live births, and the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is 437 per 1,000,000 live births. The lifetime risk for Cambodian women of dying from maternal causes is 0.02, or 1 in 50. Research at a tertiary obstetric hospital in Phnom Penh revealed that MMR at the hospital was 785, and the major characteristic of maternal death cases was delayed arrival. A total of 17.4% of maternal deaths were dead on arrivals and 28.3% died within 2 h of arrival. This situation is obviously alarming for both mothers and children. When one focuses only on data, one does not hear the voices of mothers and children at the grassroots level. What is happening in their communities or on their way to hospitals? How do they cope with illnesses at home and when do they decide to seek medical help? This article answers these questions by describing the health situation of mothers and children living in rural areas of Cambodia, using both quantitative data and narratives. It portrays their health-seeking behavior and examines factors prohibiting people from getting medical help, and discusses ways to improve accessibility.