Estimating the Predictors of Maternal Mortality in a Southern State of Nigeria using Logistic Regression Model

Abstract:

The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) for Nigeria is 512 deaths per 100,000 live births, suggesting one of the highest in the world. Furthermore, disparities still exist between northern and southern Nigeria, and across the states of the country with varying contributing factors. This study therefore aimed to identify the predictors of maternal mortality in Rivers State, Southern Nigeria using the technique of logistic regression. Diagnostic study design was utilized for the study and data for women of childbearing age (15–49 years) were extracted from the Rivers State Hospital Management Board, Port Harcourt from January to December 2019. The association between the maternal mortality and selected maternal and health care related factors were tested using chi-square, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the effects of maternal and health care related factors on maternal mortality at 5% level of significance. The study identified maternal age, educational level, place of residence, marital status, delivery outcome, baby weight, ANC attendance and parity as the risk factors of maternal mortality in Rivers State. With the risks factors identified, policy makers will be better informed to plan intervention programmes to reduce maternal mortality in Rivers State and fast track the achievement of SDG goals on maternal health.