High maternal mortality in rural Mali
Author Information
Author(s): Aa Ingvill, Grove Mari A, Haugsjå Anita H, Hinderaker Sven G
Primary Institution: Medical Faculty, University of Bergen
Hypothesis
What is the maternal mortality ratio in rural Kita, Mali?
Conclusion
The study found a very high maternal mortality ratio of 3,131 per 100,000 live births in rural Mali, indicating an urgent need for improved obstetric services.
Supporting Evidence
- Of the 4,628 sisters reported, 1,233 (27%) had died, and 429 (9%) had died during pregnancy or childbirth.
- The estimated lifetime risk of maternal death was 20%.
- The study highlights the urgent need for obstetric services in remote rural areas.
- More than 15% of sisters in certain villages suffered a pregnancy-related death.
Takeaway
In rural Mali, many women die during childbirth, and this study shows that about 1 in 5 women may die from pregnancy-related issues.
Methodology
The study used the sisterhood method, interviewing women aged 15-50 from 20 villages to estimate maternal mortality based on their sisters' reproductive history.
Potential Biases
Potential underreporting of maternal deaths due to migration and misclassification of causes of death.
Limitations
The study cannot provide the most recent maternal mortality estimates and may not be generalizable to all rural areas due to differences in access to health services.
Participant Demographics
The participants included 748 men (37%) and 1,291 women (63%) aged 15-49 years.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 2,967-3,296
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website