title: The use of the sisterhood method for estimating maternal mortality ratio in Lagos state, Nigeria.
abstract: Summary Estimates of maternal mortality are crucial to inform the planning of reproductive health programmes and guide advocacy. The aim of this study was to obtain a population-based estimate of maternal mortality in Lagos State, Nigeria. The sisterhood method was used in 2008 to carry out the survey using a questionnaire in which respondents were asked about their sisters who died during pregnancy, childbirth or within 6 weeks after childbirth. The survey involved 4,315 respondents who provided information on 9,910 ever married sisters. The life-time likelihood (risk) of maternal death for women aged 15-49 years was found to be 0.0239 or 1 in 42. The estimated maternal mortality ratio was 450 per 100,000 live births with a 95% CI of 360 and 530. Out of 111 reported deaths, 35 (31.5%) occurred during pregnancy, 49 (44.1%) occurred during delivery and 27 (24.3%) within 6 weeks of delivery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), Lagos. bonifaceoye@gmail.com
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Oye-Adeniran
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Odeyemi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gbadegesin
authors.forename: E E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Ekanem
authors.forename: O K
authors.initials: OK
authors.lastname: Osilaja
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Akin-Adenekan
authors.forename: A V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Umoh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003906:Developing Countries; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000401:mortality; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000401:mortality; D035781:Siblings; D055815:Young Adult