Manarangi De Silva1,2,3, Leeanne Panisi4, Anita Maepioh4, Rebecca Mitchell5, Anthea Lindquist2,3, Stephen Tong1,2,3, Roxanne Hastie1,2,3. 1. Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 2. Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 4. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Referral Hospital, Honiara, Solomon Islands. 5. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Solomon Islands is a developing country facing significant barriers to the provision of quality antenatal and obstetric care. The maternal mortality rate is 114/100 000 live births, ranking the Solomon Islands 113th globally. Investigating maternal mortality may yield valuable insight into improving these numbers. AIM: The objective of this study was to review all cases of maternal mortality at the National Referral Hospital, Solomon Islands over a five-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective review of maternal deaths occurring at the National Referral Hospital, Solomon Islands from 2013 to 2017. Data on maternal demographics, characteristics and cause of death were collected. RESULTS: There were 39 maternal deaths at the National Referral Hospital from 2013 to 2017. The maternal mortality rate of the National Referral Hospital (139/100 000) is higher than the national rate (114/100 000). Most deaths were direct, with 28% attributed to haemorrhage. Overall, 79% of the total maternal deaths had elements that may be considered preventable, with laboratory delays present in 54% and medication shortages present in 29% of cases. CONCLUSION: Maternal mortality is high in the Solomon Islands, with many potentially preventable deaths occurring at the National Referral Hospital. Continued focus on improving data collection, access to resources, and training is vital to reduce maternal mortality in the Solomon Islands.
BACKGROUND: The Solomon Islands is a developing country facing significant barriers to the provision of quality antenatal and obstetric care. The maternal mortality rate is 114/100 000 live births, ranking the Solomon Islands 113th globally. Investigating maternal mortality may yield valuable insight into improving these numbers. AIM: The objective of this study was to review all cases of maternal mortality at the National Referral Hospital, Solomon Islands over a five-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective review of maternal deaths occurring at the National Referral Hospital, Solomon Islands from 2013 to 2017. Data on maternal demographics, characteristics and cause of death were collected. RESULTS: There were 39 maternal deaths at the National Referral Hospital from 2013 to 2017. The maternal mortality rate of the National Referral Hospital (139/100 000) is higher than the national rate (114/100 000). Most deaths were direct, with 28% attributed to haemorrhage. Overall, 79% of the total maternal deaths had elements that may be considered preventable, with laboratory delays present in 54% and medication shortages present in 29% of cases. CONCLUSION: Maternal mortality is high in the Solomon Islands, with many potentially preventable deaths occurring at the National Referral Hospital. Continued focus on improving data collection, access to resources, and training is vital to reduce maternal mortality in the Solomon Islands.
Authors: Manarangi De Silva; Leeanne Panisi; Anthea Lindquist; Catherine Cluver; Anna Middleton; Benjamin Koete; Joshua P Vogel; Susan Walker; Stephen Tong; Roxanne Hastie Journal: Lancet Reg Health West Pac Date: 2021-07-20
Authors: Manarangi De Silva; Leeanne Panisi; Lenin Manubuasa; Catherine Honimae; Susan Taragwanu; Simon Burggraaf; Divinal Ogaoga; Anthea Lindquist; Susan Walker; Stephen Tong; Roxanne Hastie Journal: Lancet Reg Health West Pac Date: 2020-11-20