Perceived factors contributing to maternal mortality among women in health services in Musina Municipality, Limpopo Province

Abstract

● BACKGROUND Maternal Mortality rate is defined as the death of a woman while pregnant within 42 days of termination of pregnancy irrespective of the duration/site of the pregnancy. South Africa like any other country, has high maternal mortality rate. Most deaths are caused by factors attributed to pregnancy and childbirth in health facilities. It is the practice in all public hospitals and clinics that women are discharged ±6 hours after delivery hence most problems are not detected thus the complications they may be having such as thromboembolism or sepsis that may arise during the post-partum period. ● AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of the study was to determine perceived factors contributing to maternal mortality among women in rural areas of Musina Municipality within Limpopo Province. ● METHODS A quantitative, descriptive, exploratory, cross- sectional research was used to conduct the study. The target population consisted of all pregnant and lactating women who attended the sampled clinics (ANC) in Musina Municipality. Self- Administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the women who met the criteria for inclusion. A total of 342 women were recruited to participate in this research from all five (5) health iv facilities. Collected data was analysed using SPSS Version 23.0 computer software with the assistance of a Statistician. ● FINDINGS Findings of this study revealed that majority of the respondents 215 (53.0%) reported late booking for Ante-Natal Care (ANC), among the late booking 120 (25.0%) commenced ANC attendance at second trimester, while 95 (12%) commenced ANC at last trimester and only attended once only. Minority of the respondents 127 (24.2%) reported that they never attended ANC because of various reasons cited such as not accessing clinic because of distance and not having transport. Majority 232 (83.5%) of the respondents revealed that professional nurses ‘attitudes and unwelcoming postures make them to report during labour than attending ANC. Of the respondents, 49 (17.6%) reported lack of knowledge on engorged breast and mastitis. Various socioeconomic and knowledge factors influenced women, (28.5%) women indicated long distance to health facility, while (12.5%) arrived in labour ward with head on perineum because labour started suddenly, lack of money and transport by (48.4%). ● RECOMMENDATION Recommendation was made on the importance of in-service training of professional midwives on interpersonal relation, proper assessment of women to detect any complications. Recommended workshops for training and different courses in order to broaden their knowledge relating to pregnancy and childbirth and management of pre and post-partum. Also awareness sessions for women about dangers signs during puerperium were recommended. ● CONCLUSION This study has identified several factors that have an important influence on maternal mortality in the study area. Among these are variables such as place of consultation/diagnosis, the person who pays the treatment costs, awareness of pregnancy complications and knowledge of the place of ANC treatment, among others.