Evolution and Risk Factors of Maternal Mortality in Cameroon: A Case Control Study

Abstract

Background: Maternal mortality is still high in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Cameroon where more efforts to reduce maternal mortality and provide universal access to reproductive health should be made. This study aims to see the evolution of maternal mortality and identify associated risk factors in Laquintinie hospital in Cameroon. Methods: A manual review of records for 166 maternal deaths (cases) and 322 controls was undertaken using a standard audit form. The sample included pregnant women aged 16 - 46 years admitted at the maternity of Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, Cameroon from January 2017 to December 2022. Software SSPS 3 and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze data. Results: One hundred and sixty-six (166) maternal deaths were identified during the study period for 14,114 live births, representing a maternal mortality ratio of 1176/100,000 live births. Factors significantly associated with maternal mortality included: young age (15 - 24 years) (aOR 0.11, 95% CI 0.00 - 0.76, p = 0.037), Alcohol intake (aOR 22.79, 95% CI 1.04 - 501.3, p = 0.047), Abortion or ectopic pregnancy (aOR 61.53, 95% CI 1.29 - 2927.3, p = 0.037), having no antenatal visits (aOR 388.3 95% CI 5.6 - 2675.9, p = 0.006), being admitted with hemorrhage (aOR 343.7, 95% CI 16.2 - 7276.0, p ,713.0, 95% CI 128.2 - 5,989,223.3, p CI 0.00 - 0.18, p = 0.016). Conclusion: Despite slight decrease in maternal mortality, early diagnosis of pregnancy and good Antenatal care associated with maternal health education are important factors for reducing maternal mortality. Young women were the most affected. Singles, alcoholics, women with a no or only primary education level, and referred women represented the majority of deceased cases.