Factors that Influence Maternal Mortality in Uganda

Abstract

The study was about the factors influencing Maternal Mortality in Uganda. Specifically, the objectives of the study established the association between socio-economic, demographic factors and Maternal Mortality. Secondary data from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2016 was used for the study. This study focused on women in the reproductive age group (15-49). The respondents enumerated for this study were 18506 women selected from all regions of Uganda. The study employed a cross-sectional research design. The dependent variable was Maternal Mortality and this was estimated using the indirect Sisterhood method and direct sisterhood method. It was based on the question in the UDHS questionnaire which asked whether the respondent’s sibling had died during pregnancy or a pregnancy related issue that is “did the woman die due to a pregnancy related cause”. Analysis of data was done at two stages that are univariate and bivariate. Both univariate and bivariate levels were analyzed using a statistical software known as Stata MP 13.0. The findings of the study revealed that age and education level had a statistically significant association with Maternal Mortality. The study also suggested some recommendations that should be taken so as to reduce on maternal mortality in Uganda such as encouraging girl-child education and provision of non discriminatory health care givers who will provide ANC services.