Determinants of material mortality among women of reproductive age attending Kisii General Hospital, Kisii Central District, Kenya (January 2009 - June 2010)

Abstract

Objective: To describe the causes and determinants of maternal mortality among women of reproductive age seeking healthcare services at Kisii General Hospital. Design: Descriptive retrospective study. Setting: Kisii General Hospital which is a Level-5 Referral Hospital. Subjects: Seventy-two women who had died as a result of pregnancy and childbirth related conditions who had sought obstetric services at Kisii General Hospital. Results: Majority 51 (70.8%) of deceased did not go to hospital promptly, due to; lack of transport 22 (30.6%), lack of money 17 (23.6%), and hospital distance 8 (11.1%). About 43 (60%) of those who died were between 15-25 years of age. Hospital experiences included; delay in service provision by staff 14 (19.4%), unavailability of blood for transfusion 6 (8.3%), and lack of money for drugs 12 (16.7%). Complications which led to maternal mortality were mainly; postpartum sepsis, bleeding, hypertension and cardiovascular conditions. Conclusion: Lack of lack of transport, inability to pay, delayed care seeking and lack of emergency obstetrics were the major challenges. Postpartum sepses, bleeding and pre-eclampsia were the leading complications that led to death.