STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING MATERNAL MORTALITY IN GHANA

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the relationship between possible medical and social

factors affecting maternal deaths. A conceptual framework was developed to

help identify, classify, model and resolve these factors (by implementing the

recommendations). A generalized linear model was fixed using the ‘R’ statistical

analysis software. Three data sets (2016 and 2013 data sets on maternal mortality,

and a data set on the causes of maternal deaths) were used in the analysis,

which showed wide regional variations in maternal mortality ratios and maternal

mortality rates. For the data set on causes of maternal deaths, Hypertensive

disorder was the leading determining factor of maternal deaths, followed by

Hemorrhage. Eastern Region was leading in Maternal Mortality Ratio (461

maternal deaths per 100000 live births) in 2016, followed by the Volta region

with Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of approximately 445 per 100000 live

births. The Upper West Region had the least MMR (179 per 100000 live births)

in 2016. Antenatal care and Postnatal care attendance have been found to be

significant contributing factors of maternal mortality. Conclusively, the Eastern

Region showed the highest risk of death per woman in 2016. The National

Maternal Mortality Ratio for 2016 was approximately 306 per 100000 live births,

which was an improvement on 2013 MMR, approximately 379 maternal deaths

per 100000 live births. It is therefore recommended that particular attention be

given to Antenatal care and Postnatal care in the quest to attain the Sustainable

Development Goal target of 70 maternal deaths per 100000 live births by 2030.