Women’s Perceptions of the Causes of Maternal Mortality: Qualitative Evidence From Nsukka, Nigeria.

Abstract

There have been reports of growing rate of maternal mortality in most rural areas in Nigeria. This study examined women’s perception of the causes of maternal mortality in Nsukka, a semi-urban area in South Eastern Nigeria. the study seeks to find out what rural women know about maternal mortality. Qualitative research design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted between the months of March and April, 2020. Two health facilities were used for the study (Nsukka Health Centre and University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Obukpa). In each of the health facilities, one Focus Group Discussion involving 10 women was conducted while 10 in-depth interviews comprising women not using antenatal was also conducted in a separate arrangement to complement the FGD. The participants were married and single mothers aged 18 to 40 years. Participants identified personal factors such as delay in seeking healthcare and poverty as contributing to maternal mortality. Among other Findings, result showed that lack of education and exposure, and sole reliance on the advice of relatives and other rural women within the immediate environment indirectly contributed to maternal mortality in the area. Despite advances in healthcare system and increased access to education, there are still superstitious and primordial beliefs that have continued to impact on healthcare seeking behavior of women. We recommend that massive orientation and sensitization in the area of public health should be carried out especially in the rural areas to address some of these issues identified.