Maternal mortality: A focus on the increasing role of non-obstetric causes at a University Hospital in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Nigeria currently has the second highest number of pregnancy-related deaths, which accounts for 15% of global estimates. Emerging contributors to maternal mortality have graced the medical literature in the last 3 decades.

Objectives: We sought to document the current contributors to maternal death in our hospital and to highlight the increasing role of non-obstetric causes of maternal mortality.

Methods: Maternal mortality recorded in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City from January 2011 to December 2018 was retrospectively studied to evidence a trend across the years. The major non-obstetric causes of maternal mortality were determined by simple proportion, and the relationship of maternal mortality to specific determinants was expressed as specific fatality.

Results: MMR was 1,114/100,000 live births. Mortality was higher in unbooked women, teenagers, older and grand-multiparous  women, and women in lower social class. The majority th of mortality was from obstetric haemorrhage. HIV deaths ranked 5 overall. HIV, VTE, cardiac disease, diabetes and anaesthesia were the leading non-obstetric causes of maternal mortality.

Conclusions: Maternal mortality is common in our environment. The contribution of nonobstetric causes of maternal mortality  appears to be on the increase. The health consequences of poverty, ignorance and disease are determinants of maternal mortality. Addressing socioeconomic empowerment of women will improve overall maternal health indices.

Key words: Maternal mortality, Trend in maternal mortality, Non-obstetric causes, University of Benin Teaching Hospital