Causes and contributory factors of maternal mortality: evidence from maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response in Ogun state, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence of maternal mortality is extremely high throughout the world, but this problem is worse in Nigeria. Unfortunately, Nigeria ranks second globally in the number of maternal deaths. This study seeks to determine the factors of maternal mortality within the state and region. Specifically, researchers focused on the cases of maternal deaths in health facilities in Ogun State between 2015 and 2016. The results contextualized the problem in the Ogun State. First, This study found that the average age for maternal death was 30.8 years. In terms of the causes of maternal mortality, hemorrhage and pre-eclampsia accounted for 43 percent and 37 percent of all total deaths, respectively. Several factors such as resources for health services, delay in seeking care, inadequate equipment and transportation, and late referral services all contributed to the high mortality rate. In the bigger picture, only 51 percent of women received antenatal care. These results have important implications for governments. Decision makers should ensure that solutions to maternal mortality address all of these points -- health services, transportation, referral services, and medical equipment.