Causes of Maternal Deaths in Regional Health 4 During Fiscal Year 2014-2016

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the cause of maternal death and to give suggestions for reducing maternal mortality. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted by reviewing the second-ary data of maternal deaths reported and the summary of fatality case conferences during October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2016. Data was analyzed in percentage and maternal mortality ratio.The results showed that during fiscal year 2014-2016 maternal mortality ratio in Regional Health 4 were 8.2, 12.4, and 17.2 per 100,000 live births respectively. No maternal deaths were reported in 3 provinces. Among the 18 fatality cases, it was reported that 44.4% (8 cases) were from direct cause and 55.6% (10 cases) were from indirect cause. The main causes of death from this study were post partum hemorrhage (4 cases, 22.2%). It was recommended that to reduce maternal mortality, health care providers should pay more attention to the screening of maternal risks, particularly their underlining chronic diseases, and also provide a prompt treatment of bleeding for reduction of mother’s death.