title: Maternal birth outcomes: processes and challenges in Anambra State, Nigeria.
abstract: The views of nurse experts and policymakers on maternal birth outcomes in Anambra State, Nigeria, were explored using qualitative content analysis. The findings indicate that although there are different levels of birth attendants in Anambra State, nurses attend to most deliveries; are highly favored; and are the most trusted obstetric providers among skilled personnel. Obstetric complications are extensive, leading to high mortality and morbidity. Poverty, gender inequity, and weak health systems-encompassing insufficiency of trained nursing workforce among other issues-intensify poor maternal birth outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Nursing Program, University of Washington Bothell, Washington 98011, USA. mezeo@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Mabel C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Ezeonwu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006302:Health Services Research; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008880:Midwifery / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011203:Poverty / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult