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Perinatal Mental Illness in the Middle East and North Africa Region-A Systematic Overview. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17155487. [PMID: 32751384 PMCID: PMC7432515 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Aims: Perinatal mental illness (PMI) is associated with a high risk of maternal and infant morbidity. Recently, several systematic reviews and primary studies have explored the prevalence and risk factors of PMI in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. To our knowledge, there has been no critical analysis of the existing systematic reviews (SRs) on this topic in the MENA region. Our systematic overview primarily aimed to synthesize evidence from the published SRs on PMI in the MENA countries focusing on a) the prevalence of PMI and b) the risk factors associated with PMI. Methods: We conducted a systematic overview of the epidemiology of PMI in the Middle East and North Africa region by searching the PubMed, Embase, and PsycInfo databases for relevant publications between January 2008 and July 2019. In addition to searching the reference lists of the identified SRs for other relevant SRs and additional primary studies of relevance (those which primarily discussed the prevalence of PMI and/or risk and protective factors), between August and October 2019, we also searched Google Scholar for relevant studies. Results: After applying our inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 systematic reviews (SRs) and 79 primary studies were included in our overview. Studies utilizing validated diagnostic tools report a PMI prevalence range from 5.6% in Morocco to 28% in Pakistan. On the other hand, studies utilizing screening tools to detect PMI report a prevalence range of 9.2% in Sudan to 85.6% in the United Arab Emirates. Wide variations were observed in studies reporting PMI risk factors. We regrouped the risk factors applying an evidence-based categorization scheme. Our study indicates that risk factors in the relational, psychological, and sociodemographic categories are the most studied in the region. Conversely, lifestyle-related risk factors were less studied. Conclusions: Our systematic overview identifies perinatal mental illness as an important public health issue in the region. Standardizing approaches for estimating, preventing, screening, and treating perinatal mental illness would be a step in the right direction for the region.
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Said A, Malqvist M, Pembe AB, Massawe S, Hanson C. Causes of maternal deaths and delays in care: comparison between routine maternal death surveillance and response system and an obstetrician expert panel in Tanzania. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:614. [PMID: 32623999 PMCID: PMC7336440 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05460-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To reduce maternal mortality Tanzania introduced Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR) system in 2015 as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). All health facilities are to notify and review all maternal deaths inorder to recommend quality improvement actions to reduce deaths in future. The system relies on consistent and correct categorization of causes of maternal deaths and three phases of delays. To assess its adequacy we compared the routine MDSR categorization of causes of death and three phases of delays to those assigned by an independent expert panel with additional information from Verbal Autopsy (VA). Methods Our cross-sectional study included 109 reviewed maternal deaths from two regions in Tanzania for the year 2018. We abstracted the underlying medical causes of death and the three phases of delays from MDSR system records. We interviewed bereaved families using the standard WHO VA questionnaire. The obstetrician expert panel assigned underlying causes of death based on information from medical files and VA according to International Classification of Disease to Death in Pregnancy Childbirth and Puerperium (ICD-MM). They assigned causes to nine ICD-MM groups and identified the three phases of delays. We used Cohen’s K statistic to compare causes of deaths and delays categorization. Results Comparison of underlying causes was done for 99 deaths. While 109 and 84 deaths for expert panel and MDSR respectively were analyzed for delays because of missing data in MDSR system. Expert panel and MDSR system assigned the same underlying causes in 64(64.6%) deaths (K statistic 0.60). Agreement increased in 80 (80.8%) when causes were assigned by ICD-MM groups (K statistic 0.76). The obstetrician expert panel identified phase one delays in 74 (67.9%), phase two in 24 (22.0%) and phase three delays in all 101 (100%) deaths that were assessed for this delay while MDSR system identified delays in 42 (50.0%), 10 (11.9%) and 78 (92.9%).The expert panel found human errors in management in 94 (93.1%) while MDSR system reported in 53 (67.9%) deaths. Conclusions MDSR committees performed reasonably well in assigning underlying causes of death. The obstetrician expert panel found more delays than reported in MDSR system indicating difficulties within MDSR teams to critically review deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Said
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. .,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Mats Malqvist
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andrea B Pembe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Siriel Massawe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Claudia Hanson
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Impact of Socio-Economic Factors and Health Information Sources on Place of Birth in Sindh Province, Pakistan: A Secondary Analysis of Cross-Sectional Survey Data. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16060932. [PMID: 30875876 PMCID: PMC6466183 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16060932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Medical facility birth with skilled birth attendance is essential to reduce maternal mortality. The purpose of this study was to assess the demographic characteristics, socio-economic factors, and varied health information sources that may influence the uptake of birth services in Pakistan. We used pooled data from Maternal-Child Health Program Indicator Survey 2013 and 2014. Study population was 9719 women. Generalized linear model with log link and a Poisson distribution was used to identify factors associated with place of birth. 3403 (35%) women gave birth at home, and 6316 (65%) women gave birth at a medical facility. After controlling for all covariates, women’s age, number of children, education, wealth, and mother and child health information source (doctors and nurses/midwives) were associated with facility births. Women were significantly less likely to give birth at a medical facility if they received maternal-child health information from low-level health workers or relatives/friends. The findings suggest that interventions should target disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of women after considering rural-urban differences. Training non-health professionals may help improve facility birth. Further research is needed to examine the effect of individual information sources on facility birth, both in urban and rural areas in Pakistan.
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Joshi R, Faruqui N, Nagarajan SR, Rampatige R, Martiniuk A, Gouda H. Reporting of ethics in peer-reviewed verbal autopsy studies: a systematic review. Int J Epidemiol 2018; 47:255-279. [PMID: 29092034 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyx216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Verbal autopsy (VA) is a method that determines the cause of death by interviewing a relative of the deceased about the events occurring before the death, in regions where medical certification of cause of death is incomplete. This paper aims to review the ethical standards reported in peer-reviewed VA studies. Methods A systematic review of Medline and Ovid was conducted by two independent researchers. Data were extracted and analysed for articles based on three key areas: Institutional Review Board (IRB) clearance and consenting process; data collection and management procedures, including: time between death and interview; training and education of interviewer, confidentiality of data and data security; and declarations of funding and conflict of interest. Results The review identified 802 articles, of which 288 were included. The review found that 48% all the studies reported having IRB clearance or obtaining consent of participants. The interviewer training and education levels were reported in 62% and 21% of the articles, respectively. Confidentiality of data was reported for 14% of all studies, 18% did not report the type of respondent interviewed and 51% reported time between death and the interview for the VA. Data security was reported in 8% of all studies. Funding was declared in 63% of all studies and conflict of interest in 42%. Reporting of all these variables increased over time. Conclusions The results of this systematic review show that although there has been an increase in ethical reporting for VA studies, there still remains a large gap in reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohina Joshi
- George Institute for Global Health
- University of New South Wales
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Neha Faruqui
- George Institute for Global Health
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Alex Martiniuk
- George Institute for Global Health
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hebe Gouda
- School of Public Health
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Biswas A. Shifting paradigm of maternal and perinatal death review system in Bangladesh: A real time approach to address sustainable developmental goal 3 by 2030. F1000Res 2017; 6:1120. [PMID: 28944044 PMCID: PMC5585875 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.11758.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in reducing maternal and neonatal morality, even though the millennium developmental goal to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality was not achieved. Sustainable Developmental Goal (SDG) 3 has already been set for a new target to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths by 2030. The country takes this timely initiative to introduce a maternal and perinatal death review system. This review will discuss the shifting paradigm of the maternal and perinatal death review system in Bangladesh and its challenges in reaching the SDG on time. This review uses existing literature on the maternal and perinatal death review system in Bangladesh, and other systems in similar settings, as well as reports, case studies, news, government letters and meeting minutes. Bangladesh introduced the maternal and perinatal death review system in 2010. Prior to this there was no such comprehensive death review system practiced in Bangladesh. The system was established within the government health system and has brought about positive effects and outcomes. Therefore, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh gradually scaled up the maternal and perinatal death review system nationwide in 2016 within the government health system. The present death review system highlighted real-time data use, using the district health information software(DHIS-2). Health mangers are able to take remedial action plans and implement strategies based on findings in DHIS-2. Therefore, effective utilization of data can play a pivotal role in the reduction of maternal and perinatal deaths in Bangladesh. Overall, the maternal and perinatal death review system provides a great opportunity to achieve the SDG 3 on time. However, the system needs continuous monitoring at different levels to ensure its quality and validity of information, as well as effective utilization of findings for planning and implementation under a measureable accountability framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Animesh Biswas
- Reproductive and Child Health, Centre for Injury Prevention and Research Bangladesh (CIPRB), Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Mgawadere F, Kana T, van den Broek N. Measuring maternal mortality: a systematic review of methods used to obtain estimates of the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in low- and middle-income countries. Br Med Bull 2017; 121:121-134. [PMID: 28104630 PMCID: PMC5873731 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldw056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background The new global target for maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is a ratio below 70 maternal deaths per 100 000 live births by 2030. We undertook a systematic review of methods used to measure MMR in low- and middle-income countries. Sources of data Systematic review of the literature; 59 studies included. Areas of agreement Civil registration (5 studies), census (5) and surveys (16), Reproductive Age Mortality Studies (RAMOS) (4) and the sisterhood methods (11) have been used to measure MMR in a variety of settings. Areas of controversy Middle-income countries have used civil registration data for estimating MMR but it has been a challenge to obtain reliable data from low-income countries with many only using health facility data (18 studies). Growing points and areas for further research Based on the strengths and feasibility of application, RAMOS may provide reliable and contemporaneous estimates of MMR while civil registration systems are being introduced. It will be important to build capacity for this and ensure implementation research to understand what works where and how.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Mgawadere
- Centre for Maternal and Newborn Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Terry Kana
- Centre for Maternal and Newborn Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Nynke van den Broek
- Centre for Maternal and Newborn Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
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Biswas A, Halim MA, Dalal K, Rahman F. Exploration of social factors associated to maternal deaths due to haemorrhage and convulsions: Analysis of 28 social autopsies in rural Bangladesh. BMC Health Serv Res 2016; 16:659. [PMID: 27846877 PMCID: PMC5111193 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-016-1912-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Social autopsy is an innovative approach to explore social barriers and factors associated to a death in the community. The process also sensitize the community people to avert future deaths. Social autopsy has been introduced in maternal deaths in Bangladesh first time in 2010. This study is to identify the social factors in the rural community associated to maternal deaths. It also looks at how the community responses in social autopsy intervention to prevent future maternal deaths. Methods The study was conducted in the Thakurgaon district of Bangladesh in 2010. We have purposively selected 28 social autopsy cases of which maternal deaths occurred due to either haemorrhage or due to convulsions. The autopsy was conducted by the Government health and family planning first line field supervisors in rural community. Family members and neighbours of the deceased participated in each autopsy and provided their comments and responses. Results A number of social factors including delivery conducted by the untrained birth attendant or family members, delays in understanding about maternal complications, delays in decision making to transfer the mother, lack of proper knowledge, education and traditional myth influences the maternal deaths. The community identified their own problems, shared within them and decide upon rectify themselves for future death prevention. Conclusions Social autopsy is a useful tools to identify social community within the community by discussing the factors that took place during a maternal death. The process supports villagers to think and change their behavioural patterns and commit towards preventing such deaths in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Animesh Biswas
- Department of Public Health Science, School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden. .,Reproductive and Child Health Unit, Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB), House B 162, Road 23, New DOHS, Mohakahlai, Dhaka, 1206, Bangladesh.
| | - M A Halim
- Reproductive and Child Health Unit, Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB), House B 162, Road 23, New DOHS, Mohakahlai, Dhaka, 1206, Bangladesh
| | - Koustuv Dalal
- Department of Public Health Science, School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Fazlur Rahman
- Reproductive and Child Health Unit, Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB), House B 162, Road 23, New DOHS, Mohakahlai, Dhaka, 1206, Bangladesh
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Biswas A, Rahman F, Eriksson C, Halim A, Dalal K. Social Autopsy of maternal, neonatal deaths and stillbirths in rural Bangladesh: qualitative exploration of its effect and community acceptance. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e010490. [PMID: 27554100 PMCID: PMC5013352 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Social Autopsy (SA) is an innovative strategy where a trained facilitator leads community groups through a structured, standardised analysis of the physical, environmental, cultural and social factors contributing to a serious, non-fatal health event or death. The discussion stimulated by the formal process of SA determines the causes and suggests preventative measures that are appropriate and achievable in the community. Here we explored individual experiences of SA, including acceptance and participant learning, and its effect on rural communities in Bangladesh. The present study had explored the experiences gained while undertaking SA of maternal and neonatal deaths and stillbirths in rural Bangladesh. DESIGN Qualitative assessment of documents, observations, focus group discussions, group discussions and in-depth interviews by content and thematic analyses. RESULTS Each community's maternal and neonatal death was a unique, sad story. SA undertaken by government field-level health workers were well accepted by rural communities. SA had the capability to explore the social reasons behind the medical cause of the death without apportioning blame to any individual or group. SA was a useful instrument to raise awareness and encourage community responses to errors within the society that contributed to the death. People participating in SA showed commitment to future preventative measures and devised their own solutions for the future prevention of maternal and neonatal deaths. CONCLUSIONS SA highlights societal errors and promotes discussion around maternal or newborn death. SA is an effective means to deliver important preventative messages and to sensitise the community to death issues. Importantly, the community itself is enabled to devise future strategies to avert future maternal and neonatal deaths in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Animesh Biswas
- Department of Public Health Science, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fazlur Rahman
- Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Charli Eriksson
- Department of Public Health Science, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Abdul Halim
- Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Koustuv Dalal
- Department of Public Health Science, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Assarag B, Dujardin B, Delamou A, Meski FZ, De Brouwere V. Determinants of maternal near-miss in Morocco: too late, too far, too sloppy? PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116675. [PMID: 25612095 PMCID: PMC4303272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Morocco, there is little information on the circumstances surrounding maternal near misses. This study aimed to determine the incidence, characteristics, and determinants of maternal near misses in Morocco. METHOD A prospective case-control study was conducted at 3 referral maternity hospitals in the Marrakech region of Morocco between February and July 2012. Near-miss cases included severe hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and prolonged obstructed labor. Three unmatched controls were selected for each near-miss case. Three categories of risk factors (sociodemographics, reproductive history, and delays), as well as perinatal outcomes, were assessed, and bivariate and multivariate analyses of the determinants were performed. A sample of 30 near misses and 30 non-near misses was interviewed. RESULTS The incidence of near misses was 12‰ of births. Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy (45%) and severe hemorrhage (39%) were the most frequent direct causes of near miss. The main risk factors were illiteracy [OR = 2.35; 95% CI: (1.07-5.15)], lack of antenatal care [OR = 3.97; 95% CI: (1.42-11.09)], complications during pregnancy [OR = 2.81; 95% CI:(1.26-6.29)], and having experienced a first phase delay [OR = 8.71; 95% CI: (3.97-19.12)] and a first phase of third delay [OR = 4.03; 95% CI: (1.75-9.25)]. The main reasons for the first delay were lack of a family authority figure who could make a decision, lack of sufficient financial resources, lack of a vehicle, and fear of health facilities. The majority of near misses demonstrated a third delay with many referrals. The women's perceptions of the quality of their care highlighted the importance of information, good communication, and attitude. CONCLUSION Women and newborns with serious obstetric complications have a greater chance of successful outcomes if they are immediately directed to a functioning referral hospital and if the providers are responsive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bouchra Assarag
- National School of Public Health, Rabat, Morocco
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Dujardin
- School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexandre Delamou
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- National Centre for Research and Training in Rural Health, Maferinyah, Guinea
| | | | - Vincent De Brouwere
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Merali HS, Lipsitz S, Hevelone N, Gawande AA, Lashoher A, Agrawal P, Spector J. Audit-identified avoidable factors in maternal and perinatal deaths in low resource settings: a systematic review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2014; 14:280. [PMID: 25129069 PMCID: PMC4143551 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-14-280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Audits provide a rational framework for quality improvement by systematically assessing clinical practices against accepted standards with the aim to develop recommendations and interventions that target modifiable deficiencies in care. Most childbirth-associated mortality audits in developing countries are focused on a single facility and, up to now, the avoidable factors in maternal and perinatal deaths cataloged in these reports have not been pooled and analyzed. We sought to identity the most frequent avoidable factors in childbirth-related deaths globally through a systematic review of all published mortality audits in low and lower-middle income countries. METHODS We performed a systematic review of published literature from 1965 to November 2011 in Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL, POPLINE, LILACS and African Index Medicus. Inclusion criteria were audits from low and lower-middle income countries that identified at least one avoidable factor in maternal or perinatal mortality. Each study included in the analysis was assigned a quality score using a previously published instrument. A meta-analysis was performed for each avoidable factor taking into account the sample sizes and quality score from each individual audit. The study was conducted and reported according to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. RESULTS Thirty-nine studies comprising 44 datasets and a total of 6,205 audited deaths met inclusion criteria. The analysis yielded 42 different avoidable factors, which fell into four categories: health worker-oriented factors, patient-oriented factors, transport/referral factors, and administrative/supply factors. The top three factors by attributable deaths were substandard care by a health worker, patient delay, and deficiencies in blood transfusion capacity (accounting for 688, 665, and 634 deaths attributable, respectively). Health worker-oriented factors accounted for two-thirds of the avoidable factors identified. CONCLUSIONS Audits provide insight into where systematic deficiencies in clinical care occur and can therefore provide crucial direction for the targeting of interventions to mitigate or eliminate health system failures. Given that the main causes of maternal and perinatal deaths are generally consistent across low resource settings, the specific avoidable factors identified in this review can help to inform the rational design of health systems with the aim of achieving continued progress towards Millennium Development Goals Four and Five.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan S Merali
- The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto ON M5G 1X8, Canada.
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Fuhr DC, Calvert C, Ronsmans C, Chandra PS, Sikander S, De Silva MJ, Patel V. Contribution of suicide and injuries to pregnancy-related mortality in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Psychiatry 2014; 1:213-25. [PMID: 26360733 PMCID: PMC4567698 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(14)70282-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although suicide is one of the leading causes of deaths in young women in low-income and middle-income countries, the contribution of suicide and injuries to pregnancy-related mortality remains unknown. METHODS We did a systematic review to identify studies reporting the proportion of pregnancy-related deaths attributable to suicide or injuries, or both, in low-income and middle-income countries. We used a random-effects meta-analysis to calculate the pooled prevalence of pregnancy-related deaths attributable to suicide, stratified by WHO region. To account for the possible misclassification of suicide deaths as injuries, we calculated the pooled prevalence of deaths attributable to injuries, and undertook a sensitivity analysis reclassifying the leading methods of suicides among women in low-income and middle-income countries (burns, poisoning, falling, or drowning) as suicide. FINDINGS We identified 36 studies from 21 countries. The pooled total prevalence across the regions was 1·00% for suicide (95% CI 0·54-1·57) and 5·06% for injuries (3·72-6·58). Reclassifying the leading suicide methods from injuries to suicide increased the pooled prevalence of pregnancy-related deaths attributed to suicide to 1·68% (1·09-2·37). Americas (3·03%, 1·20-5·49), the eastern Mediterranean region (3·55%, 0·37-9·37), and the southeast Asia region (2·19%, 1·04-3·68) had the highest prevalence for suicide, with the western Pacific (1·16%, 0·00-4·67) and Africa (0·65%, 0·45-0·88) regions having the lowest. INTERPRETATION The available data suggest a modest contribution of injuries and suicide to pregnancy-related mortality in low-income and middle-income countries with wide regional variations. However, this study might have underestimated suicide deaths because of the absence of recognition and inclusion of these causes in eligible studies. We recommend that injury-related and other co-incidental causes of death are included in the WHO definition of maternal mortality to promote measurement and effective intervention for reduction of maternal mortality in low-income and middle-income countries. FUNDING National Institute of Mental Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela C Fuhr
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK
| | - Clara Calvert
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK
| | - Carine Ronsmans
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK
| | - Prabha S Chandra
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore
| | - Siham Sikander
- Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mary J De Silva
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK
| | - Vikram Patel
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK; Centre for Mental Health, Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India; Sangath, Goa, India.
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Biswas A, Rahman F, Halim A, Eriksson C, Dalal K. Maternal and Neonatal Death Review (MNDR): A Useful Approach to Identifying Appropriate and Effective Maternal and Neonatal Health Initiatives in Bangladesh. Health (London) 2014. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2014.614198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Iyer A, Sen G, Sreevathsa A. DecipheringRashomon: An approach to verbal autopsies of maternal deaths. Glob Public Health 2013; 8:389-404. [DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2013.772219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Gerdts C, Vohra D, Ahern J. Measuring unsafe abortion-related mortality: a systematic review of the existing methods. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53346. [PMID: 23341939 PMCID: PMC3544771 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The WHO estimates that 13% of maternal mortality is due to unsafe abortion, but challenges with measurement and data quality persist. To our knowledge, no systematic assessment of the validity of studies reporting estimates of abortion-related mortality exists. STUDY DESIGN To be included in this study, articles had to meet the following criteria: (1) published between September 1(st), 2000-December 1(st), 2011; (2) utilized data from a country where abortion is "considered unsafe"; (3) specified and enumerated causes of maternal death including "abortion"; (4) enumerated ≥100 maternal deaths; (5) a quantitative research study; (6) published in a peer-reviewed journal. RESULTS 7,438 articles were initially identified. Thirty-six studies were ultimately included. Overall, studies rated "Very Good" found the highest estimates of abortion related mortality (median 16%, range 1-27.4%). Studies rated "Very Poor" found the lowest overall proportion of abortion related deaths (median: 2%, range 1.3-9.4%). CONCLUSIONS Improvements in the quality of data collection would facilitate better understanding global abortion-related mortality. Until improved data exist, better reporting of study procedures and standardization of the definition of abortion and abortion-related mortality should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Gerdts
- Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Maternal and perinatal death inquiry and response project implementation review in India. J Obstet Gynaecol India 2012; 63:101-7. [PMID: 24431614 DOI: 10.1007/s13224-012-0264-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Profile of maternal deaths in selected districts of four Indian states was studied to examine the regional differences in non-biological causal factors (socioeconomic and sociocultural) in maternal mortality and to examine the method and completeness of implementation of Maternal and Perinatal Death Inquiry and Response (MAPEDIR) process. METHODS An integrated qualitative and quantitative method was used to study the MAPEDIR process in selected districts of four states in India, through the use of standardized questionnaire for key informant interviews, participant observation checklist, analysis of verbal autopsy questionnaire, and maternal death reports. RESULTS A comparison of Profile's maternal deaths investigated showed that women died between 25 and 27 years of age. Half of the women died at home because of inability to afford transport (Delay II) and treatment costs. One third of the deaths had occurred in a health facility (Delay III) because of lack of specialists, equipments or blood. Two thirds of the delays (Delay I) were in seeking medical care. Review of the implementation process of MAPEDIR highlighted that the social audit review model is a unique field based collaborative initiative comprising of stakeholders from various sector in order to improve maternal health programming by reducing maternal mortality. CONCLUSIONS MAPEDIR has been able to identify socio-cultural, economic and health care systems related determinants of maternal deaths. Standardization the mechanism for information data sharing at district, sub-district and village level can maximize the use of available evidence for advocacy and policy shifts by developing policies and interventions suited to local needs.
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Mwanyangala MA, Urassa HM, Rutashobya JC, Mahutanga CC, Lutambi AM, Maliti DV, Masanja HM, Abdulla SK, Lema RN. Verbal autopsy completion rate and factors associated with undetermined cause of death in a rural resource-poor setting of Tanzania. Popul Health Metr 2011; 9:41. [PMID: 21819584 PMCID: PMC3160934 DOI: 10.1186/1478-7954-9-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Verbal autopsy (VA) is a widely used tool to assign probable cause of death in areas with inadequate vital registration systems. Its uses in priority setting and health planning are well documented in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Asia. However, there is a lack of data related to VA processing and completion rates in assigning causes of death in a community. There is also a lack of data on factors associated with undetermined causes of death documented in SSA. There is a need for such information for understanding the gaps in VA processing and better estimating disease burden. OBJECTIVE The study's intent was to determine the completion rate of VA and factors associated with assigning undetermined causes of death in rural Tanzania. METHODS A database of deaths reported from the Ifakara Health and Demographic Surveillance System from 2002 to 2007 was used. Completion rates were determined at the following stages of processing: 1) death identified; 2) VA interviews conducted; 3) VA forms submitted to physicians; 4) coding and assigning of cause of death. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with deaths coded as "undetermined." RESULTS The completion rate of VA after identification of death and the VA interview ranged from 83% in 2002 and 89% in 2007. Ninety-four percent of deaths submitted to physicians were assigned a specific cause, with 31% of the causes coded as undetermined. Neonates and child deaths that occurred outside health facilities were associated with a high rate of undetermined classification (33%, odds ratio [OR] = 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.05, 1.67), p = 0.016). Respondents reporting high education levels were less likely to be associated with deaths that were classified as undetermined (24%, OR = 0.76, 95% CI (0.60, -0.96), p = 0.023). Being a child of the deceased compared to a partner (husband or wife) was more likely to be associated with undetermined cause of death classification (OR = 1.35, 95% CI (1.04, 1.75), p = 0.023). CONCLUSION Every year, there is a high completion rate of VA in the initial stages of processing; however, a number of VAs are lost during the processing. Most of the losses occur at the final step, physicians' determination of cause of death. The type of respondent and place of death had a significant effect on final determination of the plausible cause of death. The finding provides some insight into the factors affecting full coverage of verbal autopsy diagnosis and the limitations of causes of death based on VA in SSA. Although physician review is the most commonly used method in ascertaining probable cause of death, we suggest further work needs to be done to address the challenges faced by physicians in interpreting VA forms. There is need for an alternative to or improvement of the methods of physician review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew A Mwanyangala
- Ifakara Health Institute, Off passage, P,o,Box 53, Off Mlabani, Ifakara, Kilombero, Morogoro, Tanzania.
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Kalter HD, Salgado R, Babille M, Koffi AK, Black RE. Social autopsy for maternal and child deaths: a comprehensive literature review to examine the concept and the development of the method. Popul Health Metr 2011; 9:45. [PMID: 21819605 PMCID: PMC3160938 DOI: 10.1186/1478-7954-9-45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
"Social autopsy" refers to an interview process aimed at identifying social, behavioral, and health systems contributors to maternal and child deaths. It is often combined with a verbal autopsy interview to establish the biological cause of death. Two complementary purposes of social autopsy include providing population-level data to health care programmers and policymakers to utilize in developing more effective strategies for delivering maternal and child health care technologies, and increasing awareness of maternal and child death as preventable problems in order to empower communities to participate and engage health programs to increase their responsiveness and accountability.Through a comprehensive review of the literature, this paper examines the concept and development of social autopsy, focusing on the contributions of the Pathway Analysis format for child deaths and the Maternal and Perinatal Death Inquiry and Response program in India to social autopsy's success in meeting key objectives. The Pathway Analysis social autopsy format, based on the Pathway to Survival model designed to support the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness approach, was developed from 1995 to 2001 and has been utilized in studies in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Adoption of the Pathway model has enriched the data gathered on care seeking for child illnesses and supported the development of demand- and supply-side interventions. The instrument has recently been updated to improve the assessment of neonatal deaths and is soon to be utilized in large-scale population-representative verbal/social autopsy studies in several African countries. Maternal death audit, starting with confidential inquiries into maternal deaths in Britain more than 50 years ago, is a long-accepted strategy for reducing maternal mortality. More recently, maternal social autopsy studies that supported health programming have been conducted in several developing countries. From 2005 to 2009, 10 high-mortality states in India conducted community-based maternal verbal/social autopsies with participatory data sharing with communities and health programs that resulted in the implementation of numerous data-driven maternal health interventions.Social autopsy is a powerful tool with the demonstrated ability to raise awareness, provide evidence in the form of actionable data and increase motivation at all levels to take appropriate and effective actions. Further development of the methodology along with standardized instruments and supporting tools are needed to promote its wide-scale adoption and use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry D Kalter
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, (615 North Wolfe Street), Baltimore, (21205), USA.
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Bano N, Chaudhri R, Yasmeen L, Shafi F, Ejaz L. A study of maternal mortality in 8 principal hospitals in Pakistan in 2009. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2011; 114:255-9. [PMID: 21696731 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2011.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Revised: 03/27/2011] [Accepted: 05/26/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine maternal mortality to assess the achievement of Millennium Development Goal 5 in Pakistan and suggest remedial measures. METHODS Throughout 2009, maternal deaths occurring in obstetrics and gynecology departments in 8 hospitals in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan, were recorded. A data form was filled in by the duty registrar at the time of death. Data were analyzed via SPSS. RESULTS During the study period, there were 47209 live births and 108 maternal deaths (age 17-45 years). Among those who died, 30% were primigravidas, 50% had a parity of 1-4, and 20% had a parity of 5 or more; 20.4% had not delivered, 40.7% had vaginal delivery, and 36.1% had cesarean delivery; 67.6% were unbooked and 32.4% were booked (14 under care of a consultant and 21 under care of a medical officer); 73%, 22%, and 5% died in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively; 17.5% died prenatally, 4.6% during labor, and 78% postpartum; 73% were in a critical condition and 8% were dead on arrival. Eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, and sepsis caused 23, 13, and 13 deaths, respectively. CONCLUSION Maternal death can be effectively managed by skilled care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naheed Bano
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit-I, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
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McPake B, Koblinsky M. Improving maternal survival in South Asia--what can we learn from case studies? JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2009; 27:93-107. [PMID: 19489409 PMCID: PMC2761770 DOI: 10.3329/jhpn.v27i2.3324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Technical interventions for maternal healthcare are implemented through a dynamic social process. Peoples' behaviours--whether they be planners, managers, providers, or potential users--influence the outcomes. Given the complexity and unpredictability inherent in such dynamic processes, the proposed cause-and-effect relationships in any one context cannot be directly transferred to another. While this is true of all health services, its importance is magnified in maternal healthcare because of the need to involve multiple levels of the health system, multiple types of care providers from the highly skilled specialist to community-level volunteers, and multiple technical interventions, without the ability to measure significant change in the outcome, the maternal mortality ratio. Patterns can be followed however, in terms of outcomes in response to interventions. From these case studies of implementation of maternal health programmes across five states of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, some patterns stand out and seem to apply virtually everywhere (e.g., failure of systems to post staff in difficult areas) while others require more data to understand the observed patterns (e.g., response to financial incentives for improving maternal health systems; instituting available accessible safe blood). The patterns formed can provide guidance to programme managers as to what aspects of the process to track and micro-manage, to policy-makers as to what features of a context may particularly influence impacts of alternative maternal health strategies, and to governments more broadly as to the factors shaping dynamic responses that might themselves warrant intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara McPake
- Institute for International Health and Development, Queen Margaret University, Queen Margaret University Drive, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 6UU, UK.
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