A ten year review of maternal mortality in Sokoto, northern Nigeria.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the institutional maternal mortality ratio, risk factors, causes and to suggest ways of preventing or reducing the maternal deaths.


METHODS
A descriptive study based on hospital case records of all maternal deaths at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, between January 1990 and December 1999.


RESULTS
There were 197 maternal deaths and 9,158 live births during the study period. The maternal mortality ratio was 2,151/100,000 live births. Mean age at death was 27 years. Risk factors included nulliparity, poverty; illiteracy and lack of prenatal care. Main causes of death were ruptured uterus, eclampsia, infection and haemorrhage.


CONCLUSIONS
The maternal mortality ratio is high. Most of the deaths could have been prevented by prenatal care and prompt treatment of the obstetric emergencies. Unless somebody, somewhere, is prepared to cater for the poor at times of dire need, the maternal death toll will remain high.
Audu
L R
LR
Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.
Ekele
B A
BA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012307:Risk Factors