Identifying maternal mortality through networking: results from coastal Kenya

Abstract

This paper presents the results of experience in identifying maternal deaths through "networking." In a survey of child health in coastal Kenya, women of reproductive ages were asked about their knowledge of maternal deaths in the villages. Thirty-five maternal deaths were ultimately identified in the study area, which led to an estimate of maternal mortality of 6 to 7 per 1,000 live births. The leading causes of death were hemorrhage and anemia, followed by sepsis; and nulliparous women appeared to be at higher risks of dying. Special attention is given to the ethnomedical aspects of maternal mortality,which have important implications for strategies to reduce maternal mortality.