Risk factors associated with maternal deaths in health units in Uganda.

This study was conducted to assess the magnitude of maternal deaths in health units in Uganda, and the risk factors associated with such deaths. A retrospective study of maternal deaths in 20 hospitals and 54 randomly selected health centres was conducted in 12 randomly selected districts of Uganda. The reference period for documenting maternal deaths was September 1992 to September 1993. The International Classification of Diseases 10 was used to define a maternal death. Data on maternal deaths and associated risk factors was obtained from admission and patient case notes. SPSS/PC statistical package was used to carry out advanced statistical analysis. Log linear analysis was used to rank risk factors for maternal deaths. A total of 418 maternal deaths and 75,000 live births were recorded, giving a maternal mortality ratio of 557 per 100,000 live births. Three hundred and sixty (86.1%) mothers died within one hour of admission. The risk factors identified were inadequate antibiotic supply, intravenous drug fluids and blood for transfusion in health units; non-use of family planning, use of traditional medicine; mothers aged 15-19 and 30-50 years. Others included those who had a history of two or more abortions and stillbirths; parity of five and above; and living within a distance of more than 10 km to the nearest health unit. We conclude that the focus on risk factors for maternal deaths have policy implications.