Developing a model for reducing maternal mortality in South Africa
Abstract
Objective
High maternal mortality ratios (MMRs) remain a concern in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries like South Africa. Different models have been developed, tried, and tested worldwide, in the hope that they will reduce maternal mortality, but without much success.
Methods
A qualitative approach was used to conveniently select a sample of 10 women attending an antenatal clinic in a rural area, in one of the districts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province. Data were collected by means of interviews with the women. Data were analyzed employing Burnard's content analysis approach.
Results
Four themes emerged: (1) age at first pregnancy; (2) birth intervals, risks in pregnancy and hospitalization; (3) the use of contraception; and (4) HIV status. All themes that emerged revealed inattention to reproductive health (RH) needs, resulting in poor RH outcomes as an area of concern.
Conclusions
Greater emphasis needs to be placed on meeting the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of South African women, if maternal mortality rates are to be reduced. An alternative model for reducing maternal mortality in South Africa is proposed.
© 2021 Rose Maureen Makapi Mmusi-Phetoe, Brian Barasa Masaba, published by Shanxi Medical Periodical Press
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.