John W Bolnga1, Nancy N Hamura2, Alexandra J Umbers3, Stephen J Rogerson3, Holger W Unger3. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Modilon General Hospital, Madang, Papua New Guinea. Electronic address: johnbolnga@gmail.com. 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Modilon General Hospital, Madang, Papua New Guinea. 3. Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency, causes, and reporting of maternal deaths at a provincial referral hospital in coastal Papua New Guinea (PNG), and to describe delays in care. METHODS: In a structured retrospective review of maternal deaths at Modilon General Hospital, Madang, PNG, registers and case notes for the period January 2008 to July 2012 were analyzed to determine causes, characteristics, and management of maternal death cases. Public databases were assessed for underreporting. RESULTS: During the review period, there were 64 maternal deaths (institutional maternal mortality ratio, 588 deaths per 100 000 live births). Fifty-two cases were analyzed in detail: 71.2% (n=37) were direct maternal deaths, and hemorrhage (n=24, 46.2%) and infection (n=16, 30.8%) were the leading causes of mortality overall. Women frequently did not attend prenatal clinics (n=34, 65.4%), resided in rural areas (n=45, 86.5%), and experienced delays in care (n=45, 86.5%). Maternal deaths were underreported in public databases. CONCLUSION: The burden of maternal mortality was found to be high at a provincial hospital in PNG. Most women died of direct causes and experienced delays in care. Strategies to complement current hospital and national policy to reduce maternal mortality and to improve reporting of deaths are needed.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency, causes, and reporting of maternal deaths at a provincial referral hospital in coastal Papua New Guinea (PNG), and to describe delays in care. METHODS: In a structured retrospective review of maternal deaths at Modilon General Hospital, Madang, PNG, registers and case notes for the period January 2008 to July 2012 were analyzed to determine causes, characteristics, and management of maternal death cases. Public databases were assessed for underreporting. RESULTS: During the review period, there were 64 maternal deaths (institutional maternal mortality ratio, 588 deaths per 100 000 live births). Fifty-two cases were analyzed in detail: 71.2% (n=37) were direct maternal deaths, and hemorrhage (n=24, 46.2%) and infection (n=16, 30.8%) were the leading causes of mortality overall. Women frequently did not attend prenatal clinics (n=34, 65.4%), resided in rural areas (n=45, 86.5%), and experienced delays in care (n=45, 86.5%). Maternal deaths were underreported in public databases. CONCLUSION: The burden of maternal mortality was found to be high at a provincial hospital in PNG. Most women died of direct causes and experienced delays in care. Strategies to complement current hospital and national policy to reduce maternal mortality and to improve reporting of deaths are needed.
Authors: Stephan Karl; Connie S N Li Wai Suen; Holger W Unger; Maria Ome-Kaius; Glen Mola; Lisa White; Regina A Wangnapi; Stephen J Rogerson; Ivo Mueller Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-05-06 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Jo Middleton; Mohammad Yazid Abdad; Emilie Beauchamp; Gavin Colthart; Maxwell J F Cooper; Francesca Dem; James Fairhead; Caroline L Grundy; Michael G Head; Joao Inacio; Mavis Jimbudo; Christopher Iain Jones; Martina Konecna; Moses Laman; Hayley MacGregor; Vojtech Novotny; Mika Peck; Jason Paliau; Jonah Philip; Willie Pomat; Chrissy H Roberts; Shen Sui; Alan J Stewart; Stephen L Walker; Jackie A Cassell Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2020-10-31 Impact factor: 2.692