Demographic Analysis on Maternal Mortality Rate in Akwa Ibom State.

Abstract:

This study examined maternal mortality in Akwa Ibom State – a state in the south-south region of Nigeria. Special attention was paid to a fundamental demographic factor, age, and a medical factor. Partitioning the population into age groups, it was realized that the age group with the highest mortality rate (42,105 out of every 100,000), is between 43 – 49, though it has the lowest number of pregnancies. In contrast, the age group with the highest number of pregnancies (1226), and the lowest maternal mortality rate (9,054, out of every 100,000) is between 25 – 30. Independence tests were carried out to ascertain, whether or not, mortality status depends on age group and delivery method. The results showed that while status was not affected by delivery method, it significantly depended on age group. This result was further seen in the binary logistic regression model fitted to the data, to determine the extent of the relationship between status and these factors. The model showed that age is a significant variable in determining mortality status, while delivery method is not. It is recommended that the age limit at first marriage for young girls should be increased, in a bid to stem maternal mortality due to complications, within the age group (10-19). Sensitization campaigns should be mounted, to eliminate, or at least reduce the barriers to safe abortion, as this will reduce the risk of maternal mortality within higher age groups.