Fannie Kachale 1, Address Mauakowa Malata 2, Genesis Chorwe-Sungani 1, Alfred Maluwa 2, Ellen Chirwa 1
- Kamuzu College of Nursing, Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi and The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
- Malawi University of Science and Technology, Malawi
*Correspondence: Fannie Kachale (kachale2014fannie@kcn.unima.mw)
Key words; Maternal near-miss, quality of care, determinants.
Abstract
Background
Maternal near-miss cases occur in larger numbers than maternal deaths hence they require comprehensive analysis when studied. However, there is scarcity of information on determinants of maternal near-miss cases in Malawi. Therefore, this study aimed at establishing the determinants of maternal near-miss cases at two selected central hospitals in Malawi.
Methods
This was a case control study that utilized a quantitative approach. A random sample of 458 case files comprising maternal near-misscases (161) and non-cases (297) was drawn using a ratio of 1:1.8. Data were analyzed using Stata 14 to generate descriptive statistics, Chi Square values to describe the data and determine associations among variables and logistic regression was conducted to determine the determinants of maternal near-miss.
Results
We found significant differences between demographic characteristics (marital status, occupation, admission mode, means of transport and age) of maternal near-miss cases and the non-cases (P<0.05). Age and mode of birth were found to be significantly associated (P<0. 05) with maternal near-miss. Women aged 31-35 years were 3.14 times more likely to experience maternal near-miss [OR=3.14, 95% CI: 1.09, 9.02, p=0.03] compared to those aged less than 20 years. Furthermore, emergency caesarean [OR=4.08, 95% CI: 2.34, 7.09, p=0.001] and laparotomy for uterine rupture [OR=83.49, 95% CI: 10.49, 664.55, P=0.001] were significantly associated with maternal near-miss.
Conclusion
Among pregnant women, health workers need to pay close attention to factors such as age and mode of birth for them to implement targeted maternal health services in order to reduce incidence of maternal near-miss cases.