Determination of Maternal Mortalities and Associated Risk Factors in the North-East Senatorial District of Jigawa State, Nigeria (2018–2022)

INTRODUCTION: This study examined maternal mortality rates and causes in three state hospitals—Hadejia (HGH), Kafin Hausa (KGH), and Birniwa (BGH)—in the North-East Senatorial District of Jigawa State, Nigeria, between 2018 and 2022.
METHODS: This descriptive study retrospectively reviewed hospital records of all maternal deaths defined using the WHO ICD-MM. Maternal mortality ratios (MMR) were calculated per 100,000 live births, and causes classified as direct or indirect. Trends over time and differences between hospitals were analyzed. Data are presented as numbers, percentages, and per 100,000. SPSS version 22 was used.
RESULTS: A sharp rise was observed in 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic: MMR increased from 1,454 to 5,045 in BGH, 3,578 to 9,627 in HGH, and 0 to 1,709 in KGH. Rates declined slightly in 2021–2022 but remained far above national and global targets. In BGH, anemia was the leading cause (45.35%), followed by eclampsia (27.91%) and postpartum hemorrhage (8%). In HGH, eclampsia (27.89%) dominated, followed by placental abruption, pulmonary embolism, hypovolemic shock, and transfusion reactions (24%). In KGH, postpartum hemorrhage (36.59%) was most common, followed by eclampsia (17.07%), difficult delivery (14.63%), and anemia (9.76%).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Maternal deaths in Jigawa State remain unacceptably high, largely from preventable direct obstetric causes and indirect factors. Reducing mortality requires urgent improvements in obstetric care, stronger referral systems, consideration of indirect causes, service continuity during crises, and sustained health education.

Keywords: Maternal Mortality Rate, Eclampsia, Anemia, COVID-19 Pandemic, Nigeria, Jigawa State. Note: This article is derived from my thesis research.