The evaluation of strategies used to reduce maternal mortality in the Fezile Dabi District (Free State Province)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate the strategies used to reduce maternal mortality of the Fezile Dabi District in the Free State Province, South Africa. A quantitative descriptive study was conducted at three hospitals to describe and evaluate the strategies. Data collection was done by using the Maternal and Neonatal Programme Effort Index (MNPI) self-administered questionnaire. The study population comprised of 71 (midwives (52), doctors (13), management-operational managers (6). The overall response rate for the three hospitals was (43.5%). The study indicated that programme efforts for maternal health are similar across the three hospitals, however, there are particular areas in each hospital that need more attention. The ratings of all the strategies generally showed weak to partial effort. The findings revealed general poor performance under the following strategies: postpartum care, training arrangements, information, education, communication and hospital protocols. Based on the study results, the quality of maternal health care need to be improved