Prevalence of Maternal Mortality among Women of Reproductive Age in General Hospital, Badagry, Lagos

Abstract

Maternal mortality continues to be the major cause of death among women of reproductive 
age in many countries and remains a serious public health issue especially in developing 
countries. The study therefore, investigated the prevalence of maternal mortality in the 
general hospital badagry. Two research questions and two hypotheses were postulated for 
the study. The descriptive survey research design was used. The population consists of 
women of reproductive age attending General Hospital, Badagry.  The research instrument 
used for the study was a four- point likert-type rating scale questionnaire. The test-retest 
method of reliability was adopted. The reliability of the instrument was ascertained by using 
the cronbach's method. The calculated cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.86. A total number 
of one hundred and twenty (120) copies of questionnaires were distributed and same copies 
were collected and analyzed. Chi-square statistical tools were used in testing the stated 
hypotheses. The study shows that significant relationship exist between poor maternal health 
care and maternal mortality in general hospital Badagry and also there is significant 
relationship between maternal population growth and maternal mortality in general 
hospital Badagry. In conclusion the study found poor maternal health care during pregnancy 
leads to maternal mortality, Given birth to many children can increase maternal mortality. 
The findings recommended that pregnant women should treat any diseases and go for 
prenatal care while nursing mothers should attend postnatal care; pregnant women and 
nursing mothers should be given awareness on the need to visit hospital as soon as they 
notice any disease signs and symptoms.