The Role of Quality Obstetric Care Services on Reducing Maternal Mortality in Rural Areas of Tanzania

Abstract

This paper explores the role of quality obstetric care services on reducing maternal mortality in rural areas of Tanzania. Mgeta and Melela cascades located in Mvomero district, Morogoro region were used as case study. Tools for data collection involved combination of questionnaires and checklists, which were used to gather primary data from survey population. Purposive sampling method was used to select two health cascades and health facilities within Mgeta and Melela cascades. SPSS computer software and content analysis were respectively used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data. It was found in both health cascades that obstetric care services in health facilities were not well established and implemented. The study recommends that, special initiative should be done to bring changes on reducing maternal mortality, such as ensure essential equipments and medicines must be supplied constantly and maintained by skilled health staff who can manage both normal and complicated deliveries. Enforcement in providing quality of obstetric care services in maternal health services especially in rural areas where majority of people in Tanzania reside is not an overemphasis.

Keywords: Quality obstetric care services, maternal mortality