Facility-based audit of maternal mortality in Lebanon: a feasibility study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility of establishing a maternal mortality audit in Lebanon.


METHODS
A facility-based reproductive age mortality study (RAMOS).


METHODS
Records of reproductive-age female deaths over an eight-year period in three hospitals in Beirut, Lebanon, were reviewed.


METHODS
Quality of data sources, comprehensiveness of medical charts and accessibility of information.


RESULTS
Review of records was feasible. Cross-checking three data sources identified missed cases and coding and data entry errors. The quality and accessibility of data varied between hospitals. The maternal mortality rate was 39/100,000 live births and there were 55 pregnancy-related deaths/100,000 live births. Lack of antenatal care, delay in seeking care and over-intervention on the part of the medical team were among problems identified.


CONCLUSIONS
A facility-based approach is a potential tool for conducting a national maternal mortality audit in a developing country like Lebanon. Computerized medical records and mandatory participation of hospitals are prerequisites for success. This would require the government to develop a cohesive national policy on reducing maternal mortality.
Osman
Hibah
H
Department of Health Behaviour and Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, and Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
Campbell
Oona M R
OM
Sinno
Dima
D
Zarwi
Rana
R
Nassar
Anwar H
AH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon / Q000453:epidemiology; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011996:Records; D012494:Sampling Studies; D055815:Young Adult