Abstract
BackgroundAlthough maternal mortality has become a major focus on global public health agenda, maternal morbidity is a neglected area of research. The purpose of this paper is to present the burden of acute maternal illness during pregnancy.MethodsA cross sectional study was carried out in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka. Pregnant women residing in the Anuradhapura district with a gestational age more than 24 weeks through 36 weeks were recruited to the study using a two-stage cluster sampling technique. All pregnant women who consented participated in a detailed interview using a structured questionnaire. Self reported episodes of acute illness during pregnancy were the main outcome measures. Secondary outcomes were utilization of medical services and frequency of hospitalizations.ResultsNausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP) was experienced by 325 (69.7%) of the 466 pregnant women studied. Other common symptoms were backache (152, 32.6%), dizziness (112, 24.0%) and heartburn/regurgitation (107, 23.0%). Of the 421 pregnant women who reported ill health conditions 260 (61.8%) women sought medical treatment for these illnesses. Total number of episodes that needed treatment seeking were 373. Hospitalizations were reported by 83 (17.8%) pregnant women and the total number of hospitalizations was 109. The leading cause of hospitalization was NVP which accounted for 43.1% of total admissions and 49.1% of total days spent in hospitals.ConclusionsMinor maternal ill health conditions affecting day-to-day life have a major burden on pregnancy period. Evidence based management guidelines and health promotion strategies are needed to control and prevent these conditions, in order to provide comprehensive, good quality maternal health care.
Highlights
In 2007, evidence synthesis in the background paper for ‘‘Women Deliver’’ argues that ‘‘maternal health is connected with women’s lives and options as individuals, the well-being of their children and families, and the economic productivity of their countries’’ [1]
The central focus of the global maternal health agenda is on maternal mortality, whereas the impact of less severe morbidities accounting for an estimated 58– 80% of acute ill conditions [1] affecting pregnant women in developing countries are often overlooked
In 2012, we showed that the minor ailments were the leading causes of productivity cost among Sri Lankan pregnant women [9]
Summary
In 2007, evidence synthesis in the background paper for ‘‘Women Deliver’’ argues that ‘‘maternal health is connected with women’s lives and options as individuals, the well-being of their children and families, and the economic productivity of their countries’’ [1]. The well being of pregnant women has continued to be threatened, despite global initiatives aimed towards reduction of maternal mortality. In addition to maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidities impact up to 9% of pregnant women [3]. The central focus of the global maternal health agenda is on maternal mortality, whereas the impact of less severe morbidities accounting for an estimated 58– 80% of acute ill conditions [1] affecting pregnant women in developing countries are often overlooked. Studies on minor acute illness during pregnancy suggests that despite being non-life threatening, the high prevalence of these conditions has a major effect on productivity and may have profound impact on the lives of pregnant women and their families [4,5]. The purpose of this paper is to present the burden of acute maternal illness during pregnancy
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