Millenium Development Goal 5- Review of Maternal Mortality 1995 to 1999

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To review if there is a change in the maternal mortality rate at the Kenyatta National Hospital since the inception of the Millennium Development Goal strategy in 1990, compared to earlier reviews. DESIGN: A retrospective descriptive study. SETTING: Kenyatta National Hospital. SUBJECTS: Maternal deaths attributed directly to obstetric causes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Determination of maternal mortality rates of all patients admitted to the Kenyatta National Hospital Maternity and died after admission up till six weeks of admission. Also determine any avoidable causes of the same. RESULTS: During the period under review, there were 27,455 deliveries and 253 maternal deaths giving a maternal mortality ratio of 921.5 per 100,000 live births. Direct obstetric causes accounted for 71% of all maternal deaths with sepsis, haemorrhage, and hypertension being the leading causes. Respiratory tract infections associated with HIV/ AIDS infection was the prominent indirect cause. 67.5% of deaths occurred in women aged between 25 and 35 years and 78.7% were Para 2 or less. Evidently there was poor antenatal clinic attendance with only 28.6% having had any attendance at all. CONCLUSION: Antenatal clinic attendance needs to be re-emphasised if an impact is to be realised in curbing maternal mortality; moreover there is need for early referrals and encouraging mothers to deliver under skilled care