Maternal and perinatal mortality in ward a, ikosi-isheri lcda in lagos state, nigeria: from “guestimates” to near actuals

Abstract

Background: The problem of authentic statistics on maternal and peri-natal mortality has persisted in Nigeria probably because of inadequate involvement of community members in data management.
Objective: The objective of this study was to improve the accuracy of information on pregnancy outcome in a ward in Lagos state.
Methods: Residents of Ward A of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State were educated on the importance of accurate health data. Youths selected based on criteria and community-based health care providers, following refresher training on research methods,
assisted with the collection, analysis and presentation of data.
Results: The records of churches, mosques, Traditional Birth Attendants, the government owned Primary Health Care (PHC) centre and 7 private health facilities in the ward reported no (0) maternal mortality, but 14 out of 633 live births in the latter died, giving a peri-natal mortality of 22.1
per thousand in one year. However, neither the CDAs, nor LCDA nor the state received regular reports on pregnancy outcome.
Conclusion: Under-reporting or over-estimation of pregnancy outcome can be reduced by involvement of the leaders of Residents Associations and other relevant community members in data management. Data should be
collected by smaller units into which a ward is divided and collated at the ward level for transmission to the LGA/LCDA. Feedback to community members will improve awareness about the importance of appropriate antenatal, natal and peri-natal care. Health care providers are also more likely to take prompt action to prevent maternal and peri-natal
mortality. 

Key words: Maternal mo rtality, peri-natal mortality, community participation