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Published on: April 7, 2023
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Maternal mortality in an academic institution in Upper Egypt
Kamal M Zahran1, Kawthar Abdel-Motagly Fadel2, Sabra M Ahmed2
1a Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine , Assiut University , Assiut , Egypt.
Summary
Maternal mortality remains a critical global issue. This study found alarmingly high maternal mortality ratios and poor quality of care at Women's Health Hospital, highlighting urgent areas for improvement in obstetric care.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
Background:
- Maternal mortality is a significant global health challenge requiring regular assessment for effective healthcare planning and evaluation.
- Quality of care indicators, such as case fatality rates, are crucial for measuring healthcare facility performance and identifying areas needing improvement.
- Assessing maternal mortality and its causes is essential for monitoring and evaluating maternal health services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To calculate the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and quality of care indicators at Women's Health Hospital.
- To identify the primary causes of maternal mortality within the hospital.
- To pinpoint deficits in medical record-keeping.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study design was employed.
- Maternal mortality ratio, maternal mortality index, case fatality rate, and direct obstetric case fatality rate were calculated.
- Causes of maternal mortality and medical record deficiencies were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The overall MMR at Women's Health Hospital was 225/100,000, with an MMR of 100.5/100,000 for deliveries within the hospital.
- Leading causes of maternal death included obstetric hemorrhage (38.3%), complications of cesarean sections (27.7%), and pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (23.4%).
- Nearly half (42%) of maternal deaths occurred during vacation periods, and quality indicators pointed to poor healthcare.
Conclusions:
- The study revealed an alarmingly high maternal mortality ratio and significant quality of care deficits at Women's Health Hospital.
- Obstetric hemorrhage, cesarean section complications, and pre-eclampsia/eclampsia were the primary drivers of maternal mortality.
- Addressing these issues, including potential impacts during vacation periods and improving medical record quality, is critical for enhancing maternal healthcare outcomes.
