Factors associated with maternal mortality from sepsis in a low-resource setting: a five-year review at Mpilo Central Hospital, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Abstract

Sepsis remains a major cause of maternal deaths globally. It is one of the major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in women of reproductive age. It is important that such a major contributor is studied in low-resource settings. The aims of this study were to document the percentage of maternal deaths from sepsis among the total number of maternal deaths in a low-resource setting and to determine factors associated with maternal mortality from sepsis at Mpilo Central Hospital. This was a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out at Mpilo Central Hospital. Nearly one-third (29.3%) of maternal deaths were due to sepsis. The major factor associated with maternal mortality was post-abortal sepsis (41.7%).