Trends and factors associated with maternal mortality in Abakaliki, Nigeria.

Abstract

Maternal health indices are poor in Nigeria. Regular audit of maternal deaths is vital to planning and maternal care delivery. The aim of the study was to evaluate and determine the trend of maternal mortality ratio in a Federal Medical Centre and analyze associated factors. A retrospective review of available data on all maternal deaths between January 2000 and December 2005 at the Federal Medical Centre Abakaliki was carried out.The 38 maternal deaths recorded out of 4193 deliveries during the study period resulted in a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 906 per 100,000 live births. In the two triennial intervals (Jan.2000- Dec.2002 and Jan.2003-Dec.2005) reviewed the MMR were 1017 and 799 per 100,000 live births respectively. The unbooked parturient accounted for over 74% of the deaths. Grandmultiparity, primigravidity, poor educational background, extremes of reproductive age and economic adversity were major factors associated with such deaths. Haemorrhage was the commonest cause of mortality during the period. Women\'s education and empowerment, provision of adequate and subsidized maternal care especially immediate postpartum are advocated to reduce maternal mortality to the barest minimum in Nigeria. Keywords : trend, maternal death, delay, unbooked, referral. Ebonyi Medical Journal Vol. 6 (1) 2007 pp. 30-36