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Obstetric mortality in a Nigerian general hospital
G C Nkwocha1, S E Anya, A E Anya
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Nigeria.
Background:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the progress towards achieving a 50% reduction in maternal mortality by the year 2000 at a referral hospital.
Methods:
A retrospective review of births and maternal deaths over an 18-year period from 1981 to 1998.
Results:
There was a 30% reduction among booked women in the period 1990-1998 compared to 1981-1989 while only 8% reduction was achieved among referred women. Infection and hypertensive disorders remained the leading causes of death but the contribution of haemorrhage declined due to improved blood transfusion services.
Conclusion:
Further improvement in maternal survival can be achieved by training health personnel involved in maternity care to recognise or anticipate complications early and refer.
