Abstract:

Background: Ghana is one of the countries associated with high maternal deaths and near-miss events. This country has adopted the millennium development goals including reducing maternal mortality by three-quarters, and put improvement in maternal health as one of the health sector development programme performance indicators. The purpose of the study was to review maternal mortality and near-miss events in Kintampo Municipality in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana in the past 5 years.

Objectives: The measurement of the study were antenatal and postnatal services family planning and abortion practices, delivery care, education and information services, delay in reaching health facility and facility delay

Methods: Study participants were 196. Secondary data was used to collect information at facility level of which 16 health staff took part. In all, 30 maternal deaths and 45 near-misses from 2007 to 2011 were reviewed. Verbal autopsy was used on 180 participants from 5 communities.

Results: 92% of maternal deaths occurred among young adults. 73% were in critical condition upon arriving at the hospital. 97% of the death occurred at the health facility. Attitude of health staff and inadequate maternal health services were significantly associated with maternal deaths. 90% were not practicing family planning. 48% of them have practiced unsafe abortion before. Facility delay is significantly associated with maternal death and near-miss events

Conclusion: The results of the study can stimulate a change in clinical practice. The study can be used as a quality improvement tools in facilities. 

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