TRENDS IN MATERNAL MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY AT CENTRAL HOSPITAL, BENIN-CITY, NIGERIA - A TWO YEAR REVIEW

Agofure Otovwe* and Olaniregun Oluwadamilola

ABSTRACT

Aim: Maternal Mortality remains an issue of public health concern in Nigeria. Although available evidence shows that progress was made in reducing the Maternal Mortality Ratio in Nigeria, Nigeria is still among the top 13 highest Maternal Mortality contributor in the world. This study was designed to investigate the trends in maternal morbidity and mortality at the Central Hospital Benin-City, Nigeria. Study Design: The study was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Central Hospital Benin-City from April to June 2015. Methodology: The study reviewed records by using women who registered and received antenatal care in Edo state Central Hospital, Benin City from 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2014. Results: The result shows that live birth deliveries in the year 2013 was higher than 2014. The number of maternal death recorded in 2013 was (12), however, only one maternal death was recorded in 2014. Furthermore, the Maternal Mortality Ratio was 322 per 100000 in the year 2013 and then reduced to 34 per 100000 in 2014. In addition, more pregnant women registered for antenatal care in the year 2013 (2599) than in 2014 (2002). Major causes of maternal death in the two year period under review were haemorrhage 46%, Infection 20%, Eclampsia 12% and Obstructed labour 8%. Conclusion: In conclusion the Maternal Mortality Ratio in the year 2013 was still high, though it reduced in the year 2014; more efforts should be made by the Federal, State and Local governments including non-governmental organizations and their partners in reducing maternal death in Nigeria and Africa at large.

Keywords: Maternal Mortality, Maternal Morbidity, Antenatal care, Central hospital, Benin-City, Nigeria.