Maternal mortality at the Maternity Teaching Hospital in Erbil, Kurdistan: A hospital-based data 2011-2013

Abstract

Background and objective: Maternal deaths are still leading problems in many developing countries, including Iraq. Iraq is, in fact, far away to reach the Millennium Development Goal declared to reduce the maternal mortality ratio by three quarters between 1990 and 2015. The aim of this study was to highlight the main causes of avoidable deaths that lead to maternal mortality among those admitted to Maternity Teaching Hospital in Erbil. Methods: This survey was carried out in the Maternity Teaching Hospital in Erbil city, Kurdistan region, Iraq. Variables included in this study were those related to patient's age, number of parity and mode of delivery of the last baby. Data were collected from patient's records. In addition, some clinical data were included related to causes leading to death and underlying condition of death. Results: Of the total 75000 live birth recorded in the hospital during the study period (2011)(2012)(2013), 33 maternal deaths were recorded which gives an overall maternal mortality ratio of 44 per 100,000 live births. Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia were among the top causes of maternal deaths in this study (42.4%) followed by obstetrical bleeding and rapture uterus (30.3%). Conclusion: Maternal mortality rate in Maternity Teaching Hospital was 44/100,000 total live births. The main cause of the maternal deaths was pre-eclampsia and its complications. Most of those died were residents of rural areas and were illiterate women.

Prevalence and Associated Factors with Attending Antenatal Care in Akre City, Iraq

“…Maternal mortality rates in Maternity Teaching Hospital in Erbil city were found to be 44/per 100,000 live births. Because not all childbirths occur in hospitals, death in the hospital is a good predictor of death in the community [8]. The advantages of prenatal care were more readily available, particularly regarding gestational diabetes, hemoglobinopathy, and ultrasonography, and the update was started.…”