title: [An analysis of factors influencing maternal mortality in Southern Algeria].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Southern Algeria has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the country. An action-research study was conducted to identify the explanatory factors of this issue. Three methodological approaches were used: (i) an epidemiological data analysis of maternal mortality and an analysis of obstetric complications at the hospital of Tamanrasset; (ii) a socio-anthropological study conducted among women in Tamanrasset; and (iii) semi-structured interviews with health professionals aimed at understanding their beliefs and representations. RESULTS; The study identified three major factors influencing the decision to seek care: (i) the interpretation of illness by mothers; (ii) the origin of their decision to seek care based on their assessment of the range of available therapeutic options; and (iii) medical uncertainty, with mothers often forced to resort to a range of therapeutic options because of uncertainty and pressure from family and other local residents.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A detailed analysis of the implementation of mobile healthcare services is required to provide local health services to the population.
authors.affiliation: Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgique.
authors.forename: Yves
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Coppieters
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bivort
authors.forename: Kamel
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Madani
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Metboul
mesh_terms: D000462:Algeria; D003657:Decision Making; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors