An ecological analysis of maternal mortality ratios in 53 African countries

Background: Approximately, 529,000 women die every minute each year from complications due to childbirth. Complications such as severe bleeding, pre-eclampsia, unsafe abortions and infections account for some of the maternal deaths in Africa. Globally, an estimated 287,000 women die each year and 165,000 of these deaths occur in Africa. Few studies have ecologically examined socioeconomic and reproductive related factors associated with maternal mortality in this region. This study aims to bridge the gap.

Methods: An ecological analysis was conducted using the latest data from credible international agencies. Data of 53 African countries were analyzed by SPSS. A Pearson Correlation and stepwise Linear Regression were conducted using poverty, HIV infection, literacy, child marriage and adolescent fertility indicators to identify the correlates of maternal mortality ratio.

Results: Maternal mortality ratio in 2010 is highly statistically correlated with child marriages in 1998-2007 (.53), adolescent fertility in 2011 (.48), GNI per capita in PPP terms in 2011 (-.47), literacy rates for male youth in 2005-2011 (-.46), and literacy rates for female youth in 2005-2011 (.41).  Stepwise Linear Regression determined that 26% of maternal mortality can be explained by child marriages in African countries.

Conclusion: Maternal mortality ratio has decreased over the year; however, over 1 million children are left motherless. Tailored intervention using child marriage trends is suggested since 42% of adolescents marry before 18 in Africa.