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Analysis of factors that contribute to high number of maternal deaths in Singida region Tanzania


Document type: mthesis
Download file(s): 185331 (420 KB)
Abstract: Tanzania has high maternal mortality ratio (MMR) whereby the MMR in 2005 was 578 per 100 000 live births. There are no regional/local maternal deaths audits conducted so it’s not possible to disaggregate for Singida region. From 2004-2007 the number of facility based maternal deaths in Singida has increased from 0.1% to 0.2% of the total live births. The study questions in this paper explore the socio-cultural, economic and health service factors that lead to delay in women accessing EmOC in Singida region. In order to address these issues, the methodology includes collection of secondary data as well as grey literature sources on maternal health. The secondary data from Tanzania illustrates that a high number of maternal deaths occurs during labour, delivery and in the immediate post natal stage. This study concludes that in the context of Singida region the three delays in accessing EmOC do indeed contribute to high numbers of maternal deaths. Other determinants of maternal mortality include Illiteracy, low awareness of obstetric danger signs, beliefs, and gender barriers to decision making, cost of transport and poor road infrastructure. Health service factors include inadequate funds and weak management that gravely undermine availability of quality maternal health services. The study concludes with a series of recommendations including, improving human resources and ensuring community involvement in births preparedness, allocating more funds to ensure adequate availability of health resources and strengthening multisectoral collaboration and public private partnership
Authors: Kijugu, D.O.
Country: Tanzania, United Republic of
Category: Research
Department: Development Policy & Practice
Institute: KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Keywords: maternal and child health , health services
Language: eng
Organization: KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
PAGE: ix, 47
Year: 2009
Region: East Africa
Right: © 2009 Kijugu
Subject: Health and Nutrition
Title: Analysis of factors that contribute to high number of maternal deaths in Singida region Tanzania
Training: Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)