Risk Factors for Maternal Death in Northern Tanzania
Author Information
Author(s): Evjen-Olsen Bjørg, Hinderaker Sven Gudmund, Lie Rolv Terje, Bergsjø Per, Gasheka Peter, Kvåle Gunnar
Primary Institution: Haydom Lutheran Hospital
Hypothesis
What are the determinants of maternal deaths in rural northern Tanzania?
Conclusion
Increasing maternal age, ethnic and religious affiliation, and low formal education of the husbands were associated with increased risk of maternal death.
Supporting Evidence
- Women aged 35-49 years had a 4.0 times higher risk of maternal death compared to those aged 15-24 years.
- Women from ethnic groups other than the indigenous groups had a 13.6 times higher risk of maternal death.
- Adherence to traditional beliefs increased the risk of maternal death for both women and their husbands.
Takeaway
Older women and those whose husbands have less education are more likely to die during childbirth. It's important to educate both men and women about pregnancy and delivery.
Methodology
A case-control study comparing 45 maternal death cases with 135 antenatal attendees as controls, using multivariate logistic regression analyses.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to differences in access to antenatal care and recall bias among respondents.
Limitations
The sample size was small, which may have limited the detection of weaker risk factors.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of cases was 29.1 years; 69% were Iraqw, 18% Datoga, and 13% from other ethnic groups.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95%CI 1.5–10.6 for age 35-49 years; 95%CI 2.5–75.0 for non-indigenous ethnic groups.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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