Publication:

A study to assess the occurrence and factors of maternal near-miss among women admitted in maternal unit in selected hospitals of Kolkata, India

Background Assessment of the occurrence of maternal near-miss (an event in which a woman comes close to maternal death, but survive), identify the factors of maternal near-miss and to find out the association between determining factors and selected sample characteristics of maternal near-miss women.

Methods A descriptive survey is carried out among purposively selected women admitted in the maternity unit of two tertiary hospitals of Kolkata. Data are collected by face-to-face interview using valid and reliable semi-structured interview schedule to identify factors of maternal near-miss. WHO selected maternal near-miss proforma (2011) is used for assessment of occurrence of maternal near-miss by using record analysis.

Results The occurrence of maternal near-miss is identified as 100 out of 1669 women admitted in maternity unit. Eclampsia occurred maximum (27%) followed by severe pre-eclampsia (19%), severe PPH (6%) among potentially life-threatening conditions. Multigravida (65%), multipara (54%), non-booked cases (5%), duration of labour more than 18 hours (65%), caesarean section (78%), referred cases (79%), maternal type 1 delay (53%) and type 2 delay (67%) all are the factors mainly responsible for developing maternal near-miss. Significant association present between reproductive and obstetrical factors and maternal education, marital age (p<0.01). Significant association is also present between maternal delay factors and residence, maternal education, monthly family income, marital age (p<0.01).

Conclusions Exploring the factors of maternal near-miss may help to identify the factors early, which in turn will prevent the condition. Lesson can be learned from cases of near-miss which can serve as a useful tool in reducing maternal mortality ratio.