Factors associated with maternal deaths at Intermediate Hospital Oshakati (IHO): Oshana region, Namibia
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Date
2018
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University of Namibia
Abstract
Maternal death is a major health problem in Namibia, and in particular, at Intermediate Hospital Oshakati (IHO), Oshana region. Despite the introduction of several interventions by the Ministry of Health and Social Services to prevent the maternal deaths, IHO had reported the highest percentage (32%) of maternal deaths between January 2008 and May 2010 (MoHSS, 2011). It was against this background that this study was conducted to determine the factors associated with maternal deaths at IHO, Oshana region. A quantitative, cross-sectional retrospective research method was used to assess each maternal death at IHO, by reviewing patient records. Data was collected from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2014. Patients’ socio-demographic characteristics were described. Different factors associated with maternal deaths were identified and analysed using Microsoft excel and Epi Info 7. Data was collected from deceased maternity patient records, maternal death register and DHIS2 hospital computer.
A total of 74 maternal deaths out of 22840 live births were recorded at IHO for the four years study period (1 January 2011 to 31 December 2014). The leading factors associated with maternal deaths were identified as: antepartum haemorrhage 12 (16.22%), hypertension 9 (12.16%) and ‘other’ causes 33 (44.59%). Most of the deaths 61 (782.4%) occurred in the age group of 25-44 years. Amongst that number, twenty-six (35.1%) were HIV positive women. About 87.8% of maternal deaths were of rural residents and 54.1% of those who died were single women. The provision of targeted, improved basic obstetric care is crucial to make pregnancy safer and reduce maternal deaths at IHO, Oshana region.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Public Health