Estimation of maternal mortality using the indirect sisterhood method in Suleja, Niger state-Nigeria

Abstract

There is an unprecedented expressed need and demand for estimates of maternal mortality in developing countries due to lack of vital registration. The objective was to assess maternal  mortality ratio, life time risk of dying from maternal causes and the proportional maternal mortality rate in Suleja LGA of Niger state. This was a community-based cross-sectional descriptive study. Cluster sampling technique was used to sample 2704 respondents from 4 wards. Data was collected using the 2 original 4 sisterhood questions . In this study, there were a total of 1094 deaths out of which 174 were maternal deaths. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) was 400 per 100,000 live births and a life time risk (LTR) of dying from maternal causes during the whole of her reproductive life is 0.023 (or 1 in 43 women.) It can be concluded that M M ratio and life time risk of maternal death were high in Suleja LGA. Achieving the 5^th MDG will require accurate estimates of maternal deaths and provision of health care delivery services that are accessible and affordable to pregnant women.