Determinants Of Maternal Mortality In Liberian Rural Households: Case Study Of Montserrado County

Abstract

This study examined the determinants of maternal mortality among women of reproductive age in rural households of Montserrado County, Liberia. A multistage random sampling technique was employed for the study. Firstly, 5 rural communities were randomly selected out of all the rural communities in the county. Secondly, a total of 273 households having nursing women were randomly selected from the communities. Due to the difficulty involved, another set of 31 households having deceased nursing or pregnant woman within the past two years were selected using snowball sampling. The data were analyzed through the use of binary logit model. The result of the analysis showed that age of nursing/deceased mother, parity, distance to nearest health facility, contraceptive method, household monthly expenditure, domestic violence, formal education, household wealth status and type of house significantly influenced maternal mortality within the rural households. The variables that increased the chances of maternal mortality include distance to nearest health facility, low household monthly expenditure, and taking residence in mud house. On the other hand, the variables that reduced the chances of maternal mortality were age of the nursing mother, parity, use of modern contraceptives, non-involvement in domestic violence, higher education level, and household wealth status. The study recommended that there should be concerted efforts to bring about improvement of maternal socioeconomic status. The Ministry of Health should ascertain that adequately equipped health centers are available in every rural community. Also, government should make free health care policy for pregnant women and infants. Women should be encouraged to attend basic education institutions. These would enhance improvement in livelihoods among women in various households and communities.