Abstract:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kyela district Mbeya region, to determine
maternal mortality rate in the district using the sisterhood method. Kyela district council
has 2 hospitals, 2 health centres and 19 dispensaries, which conduct MCH and ANC.A
total of 1027 respondents consisting of women in the reproductive age were interviewed
by using a structured questionnaire. Maternal and Child Health Aides and Public Health
nurses B collected data included information from the respondents about the surviving
of all their adult sisters.
Majority (30.4%) of respondents were in the group of 20-24 years, followed by those in
the age group of 25-29(24.9%). Age group of 45-49 years constituted the least
(2.8%)group. Respondents reported a total of 662 deaths of adult sisters of which
41(6.2%) were maternal deaths. Estimate of the maternal mortality rate was based on
total of sister units at risk exposure, total adult sisters(number of respondents plus
number of alive adult sisters reported) and total fertility rate. Maternal mortality rate was
found to be 628 per 100,000 Live births and ranges from 440 to 816 per 100,000 live
births as 95% confidence limits.
The study revealed that most (48.6%) of deaths reported by respondents were due to
indirect obstetric cause, which included fever (36.6%), anaemia (7.3%) and others
(17%). Direct obstetric causes accounted for 39.1% whereby 14.6% were due to
haemorrhage, 7.3% due to prolonged labour and 7.3% due to eclampsia. The results
also indicate that 26.7% of reported deaths occurred at home while 23.6% occurred in
Vlll
health facilities. Place of death for 46.4% deaths could not be accounted for since
respondents could not remember.
On assessing the feasibility of applying this indirect demographic technique of the
sisterhood method under routine supervision of the Council Health Management Team,
the results of this study suggest that; it is generally possible for Council Health
Management Team to apply the technique.
