Maternal mortality and delay: socio-demographic characteristics of maternal deaths with delay in Irrua; Nigeria

Background: Maternal mortality ratio of Nigeria is one of the highest globally. The delay in getting prompt and appropriate treatment in the event of a complication during pregnancy is one of the identified factors in maternal deaths. This study assessed the contribution of delay to maternal deaths and also determined the sociodemographiccharacteristics of patients with maternal deaths with associated delay. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study of all maternal deaths in Irrua specialist Teaching Hospital; Nigeria between January 1999 and December 2003. Statistical analysis was done using 1 tailed Fisher's exact test. The level of significance was inferred at p 0.05 Results: The mortality ratio in the study period is 1747/100;000 live births. Delay was associated with 77.8 of all maternal deaths. Type I delay was the major problem contributing 57.1. Identified risk factors for delay in this study are; unbooked status; low socioeconomic status and marital status. Conclusion: The recent launch of the National Health Insurance Scheme in Nigeria may improve access to health care of patients with pregnancy complications. Better living standards with improved social infrastructures as well as retraining of health personnel are also suggested

The Demographic Characteristics and Health Seeking Behaviour of Unbooked Patients in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital

Background: The Obstetric outcome of the patients who receive antenatal care and deliver at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital is reasonably satisfactory. Our major challenges arise from unbooked emergencies. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of unbooked patients in the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital; their clinical presentation; their demographic characteristics as well as their obstetric outcome. Methods: A structured proforma was used to collect relevant information over a one-year period from patients' case notes; theatre records and labour ward records. Results: During the study period; unbooked patients constituted 14.7of all deliveries. They had a higher proportion of teenagers (p

The Demographic Characteristics and Health Seeking Behaviour of Unbooked Patients in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital

Background: The Obstetric outcome of the patients who receive antenatal care and deliver at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital is reasonably satisfactory. Our major challenges arise from unbooked emergencies. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of unbooked patients in the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital; their clinical presentation; their demographic characteristics as well as their obstetric outcome. Methods: A structured proforma was used to collect relevant information over a one-year period from patients' case notes; theatre records and labour ward records. Results: During the study period; unbooked patients constituted 14.7of all deliveries. They had a higher proportion of teenagers (p