Assessment of the factors influencing maternal mortality in Northern Uganda

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the factors influencing maternal mortality in Northern Uganda. The study was guided by two specific objectives and they include; to identify the relationship between demographic factors and maternal mortality in Northern Uganda. To identify the relationship between economic factors and maternal mortality in Northern Uganda. The study used secondary data from the UDHS (2016) survey. Data from UDHS was analyzed using STATA version 15.0 software at univariate, bivariate and multivariate level of analysis. The study findings revealed that Women’s age was associated with maternal mortality in Northern Uganda. Women aged between 25-29 and 30-49 were less likely to experience maternal mortality as compared to their counter parts that were aged between 15-19 years. The study also found out that Parity significantly associated with maternal mortality in Northern Uganda. Women who had ever given birth between 3-5, 6-17 were more likely to experience maternal mortality as compared to those who had ever given birth to 1-2 children. Furthermore, the study revealed that wealth status was associated with maternal mortality in Northern Uganda. Women from the second, middle, fourth and highest wealth status households were less likely to experience maternal mortality as compared to those from the lowest status households. Basing on the study findings, the study recommended the following; enhancing antenatal care services is crucial to ensure early detection and management of potential complications during pregnancy. Strengthening family planning services is essential to enable women to make informed choices about the number and spacing of their pregnancies. Recognizing the significant relationship between wealth status and maternal mortality, interventions should be designed to address the socioeconomic factors that contribute to maternal deaths. Engaging communities through awareness campaigns, education, and mobilization can play a vital role in reducing maternal mortality and Investing in the overall improvement of healthcare systems is crucial. This includes ensuring the availability of skilled healthcare providers, particularly in rural areas, improving emergency obstetric care services, and enhancing transportation and referral systems for timely access to medical facilities.