Maternal mortality statistics and risk factors at a tertiary hospital in Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: To determine the magnitude of maternal mortality and its major causes including the trend and social demographic factors associated with the problem in our environment.Methods: A retrospective institutional review of all the case notes of maternal mortality at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi over a six-year study period, from July, 2012 to June, 2018 were computed and analyzed.Results: A total of 2,442 deliveries took place within the period under review, out of which 2,325 were live births. Total maternal deaths were 26, giving a total maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 1,118 deaths per 100, 000. The major causes of maternal mortality during this period were unsafe abortion and its complications, hypertensive diseases in pregnancy, puerperal sepsis and obstetric hemorrhage.Conclusions: Maternal mortality remains very high at our facility          y, although with a declining trend. This may be a reflection of the situation in the general population. Increased coverage of the National Health Insurance Scheme, blood availability and utilization of antenatal services will further reduce maternal mortality in Nigeria.