community-based survey on the incidence and etiology of maternal mortality in Gezira province, Sudan

ABSTRACT

Maternal mortality in Gezira Province, Sudan, was studied through an epidemiological survey namely a household interview to determine the incidence and causes of maternal mortality and to identify the important risk factors in maternal mortality. It was a retrospective cross-sectional epidemiological survey, the first of its kind in Gezira Province, conducted during the period 28 November 1987 to 26 December 1987 when 3826 families were visited. This study included 52 maternal deaths. The maternal mortality rate [MMR] was estimated as 348 per 100 000 live births. The main causes of death were haemorrhage, hypertensive diseases with pregnancy, sepsis and infectious hepatitis. Maternity services were adequate in Gezira Province; 78.8% of deaths were in localities where a primary health care unit was available and 80.8% of deaths were in localities where a trained village midwife was available. The utilization of those services was satisfactory; 71.2% of all deaths had antenatal care and 50% of the deaths were attended by consultant obstetricians. The level of education of the mother and husband, the husband's income and the council area where the pregnant woman resided were found to be the most significant factors affecting maternal survival during pregnancy and childbirth