Role of maternity waiting homes in the reduction of maternal death and stillbirth in developing countries and its contribution for maternal death reduction in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Part of preventing maternal mortality is ensuring that all mothers have adequate access to health services. This study aims to examine and qualify the relationship between maternity waiting homes and reduction in maternal mortality and stillbirth. This study utilized literature reviews from developing countries. It is important to note that there are many solutions and initiatives to address maternal mortality. Maternity waiting homes is one way to address this problem. The results were promising for policy makers and the general population. The study concluded that individuals who utilized maternal waiting homes were 80 percent less likely to die than their non-user counterparts. In addition, there was a 73 percent less occurrence of still birth compared to non-maternal waiting home users. This study was also specific to Ethiopia, and found that there was a 91 percent reduction of maternal death. These results are helpful for future policy makers. Using this data, government officials in developing countries should advocate financial and infrastructural resources for maternal waiting homes.