Knowledge of Community Members on Risk Factors Influencing Maternal Mortality in Ede South Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria

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Omoge, Timilehin P. Makanjuola This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7210602/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background: Maternal mortality in Nigeria remains critical, with approximately 40,000 women dying annually due to pregnancy-related complications. Factors such as limited access to healthcare, poverty, and early marriage exacerbate the crisis, highlighting the need for more effective interventions. Objectives: This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of community members regarding the risk factors influencing maternal mortality in Ede South Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, involving 185 participants selected through systematic sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analysed with SPSS version 21. Results: The study encompassed 185 participants. 64.9% females with a mean age of 27.3 + 8.3 years. Among them, 60.5% were single, 46.6% being students, 55.7% held a BSc degree, 64.9% were Yoruba and 61.1% identified as Christian. Results show that 91.4% of participants were aware of maternal mortality, and most identified direct causes such as bleeding (88.1%) and unsafe abortion (88.6%). However, gaps remain in understanding risk factors like hypertension and awareness of relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Conclusion: The study highlights the need for targeted health education and improved healthcare services to address these gaps and reduce maternal mortality. Knowledge Community Members Risk Factors Maternal Mortality Figures Figure 1 Introduction Maternal mortality remains a critical public health concern globally, especially in developing countries. It refers to the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of the termination of pregnancy, resulting from pregnancy-related causes. [1] Despite efforts to improve maternal health, maternal mortality remains disproportionately high in Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for approximately 62% of global maternal deaths. [2] Maternal mortality is a significant contributor to poor health outcomes in Nigeria, where an estimated 40,000 women die annually due to pregnancy-related complications. [3] Maternal mortality in Nigeria is driven by several socio-economic and healthcare-related factors, including poverty, lack of access to quality healthcare, and limited education. Studies have identified bleeding, unsafe abortions, infection, and hypertension as direct causes of maternal deaths. [4,5] Additionally, indirect factors, such as pre-existing conditions exacerbated by pregnancy, contribute significantly to maternal deaths in developing countries. [2] While Nigeria has made some progress toward reducing maternal mortality, the country's maternal mortality ratio remains one of the highest globally, at 630 deaths per 100,000 live births. [6-12] Maternal deaths can be direct or indirect. Direct maternal deaths result from obstetric complications during pregnancy, labour, or puerperium, while indirect deaths stem from pre-existing diseases aggravated by pregnancy, such as anaemia, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, and diabetes. [1] Egbulem (2010) [3] reported an alarming death rate of 144 women per day in Nigeria due to childbirth-related conditions. The lifetime risk of a woman dying during pregnancy in Nigeria is estimated at 1 in 18, significantly higher compared to developed countries like Sweden, where the risk is 1 in 4500. [3] Previous studies have emphasized the importance of socio-demographic factors, such as age, education, and income, in shaping knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about maternal mortality. For instance, a study in Ghana found that women with secondary education were more likely to delay pregnancies and have fewer children, thereby reducing their risk of maternal mortality. [13] Similarly, Chowdhury et al. (2007) [14] highlighted the role of education in improving maternal health outcomes in Bangladesh. In Nigeria, factors like early marriage, teenage pregnancies, and illegal abortions further complicate efforts to reduce maternal mortality. [15,7-12] Despite advancements in developed countries, women in developing nations face persistently high maternal mortality risks. Timely postnatal care is pivotal, as it addresses post-delivery complications, underscoring the need for a check-up within two days post-delivery. [16] Obstetric complications, far ahead of other diseases among women of childbearing age, indicate a pressing public health concern. [17,7-12] Efforts to address maternal mortality must focus on increasing community awareness and improving healthcare access and quality, particularly for vulnerable populations in rural areas like Ede South. Understanding how community members perceive these risk factors is crucial for designing effective interventions. This study focuses on understanding community members' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of the risk factors influencing maternal mortality in the Ede South Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. It aims to provide insights that could guide interventions for reducing maternal deaths. This study is guided by a conceptual framework that explores the interaction between socio-demographic factors, knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and their influence on maternal mortality outcomes. The framework assumes that community members’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) are shaped by various socio-demographic factors, which ultimately affect their behaviours regarding maternal health. The outcome is expected to be better prevention and management of risk factors for maternal mortality when these variables are addressed. Socio-Demographic Factors/Influencing Factors a. Age: Younger individuals may have different levels of awareness compared to older individuals, impacting their health-seeking behaviours. b. Education Level: Higher education is expected to improve knowledge about maternal health and risk factors. c. Income: Economic status influences access to healthcare services and affordability of antenatal care. d. Marital Status: Married women are often more exposed to reproductive health risks but may also have more social support. e. Occupation: The type of occupation can affect the time and resources available to seek care. Knowledge Knowledge about maternal mortality refers to awareness of: a. Direct causes of maternal deaths (e.g., bleeding, unsafe abortion, infections, and hypertension). b. The importance of antenatal care (ANC) and other preventive measures such as family planning. c. Risk factors like early marriages and teenage pregnancies. Attitudes Attitudes toward maternal health practices reflect: a. Perceived importance of maternal healthcare services, including skilled birth attendants. b. Beliefs regarding traditional vs. modern healthcare practices (e.g., reliance on traditional birth attendants vs. hospitals). c. Willingness to seek antenatal care and the importance attached to it by community members. Perceptions Perceptions about maternal mortality and healthcare encompass: a. Perceived susceptibility to maternal complications during pregnancy and childbirth. b. Cultural beliefs that shape healthcare-seeking behaviour, such as preference for home births or traditional remedies. c. Perceived quality and accessibility of healthcare services in the community. Maternal Health Behaviour (Outcome Variable) The ultimate outcome of this framework is improved maternal health behaviour, including: a. Increased use of antenatal care services. b. Timely medical intervention during pregnancy and childbirth. c. Adoption of preventive measures like family planning and skilled birth attendance, reducing maternal mortality. In this framework, socio-demographic factors shape individuals' knowledge about maternal mortality. This knowledge, in turn, influences their attitudes toward maternal health services and their perceptions of risk. Positive attitudes and accurate perceptions are expected to lead to improved maternal health behaviours, such as seeking timely medical care, which is crucial for reducing maternal mortality. Methodology Study Area The study was conducted in Ede South Local Government Area (LGA), located in Osun State, southwestern Nigeria. Ede South is part of the larger Ede community, an urban area known for its diverse cultural heritage and agricultural activities. Ede South is predominantly inhabited by the Yoruba ethnic group, and the major languages spoken include Yoruba and English. The area is served by several primary healthcare centers and a general hospital, though access to quality maternal healthcare services remains a challenge, particularly in rural parts of the LGA. The study setting is characterized by a mix of urban and peri-urban communities, with most residents engaged in farming, petty trading, and civil service jobs. The selection of Ede South for this study was based on its high maternal mortality rates and the need for localized data to inform community-specific health interventions. Study Population The study population comprises of all people who are 18 years and above from Ede South Local Government Area in Osun State, Nigeria. Leslie Kish formula (n = Z²×pq/d²) was used for calculating sample size. Study Design and Sampling A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. The study methodology involves employing the Leslie Kish formula to select 185 participants from the Ede South Local Government Area in Osun State, Nigeria. The selection process involved the use of a systematic sampling technique to ensure a representative sample based on population demographics and characteristics, ensuring a balanced and accurate selection process. Data Collection Methods Semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire that was developed by the researchers. It entailed three sections that investigated socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, their awareness and knowledge of maternal mortality, its causative factors and preventive measures and the risk factors of maternal mortality. Data Analysis Quantitative data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 21. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria Inclusion Criteria : Community members within the ages 18 years and above. Exclusion Criteria:Community members below 18 years Ethical Consideration Letter of introduction was sought from the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Adeleke University, Ede. Approval to conduct the research in the community was also sought from Ede North Local Government Authority. Informed consent was secured from all participants before data collection was sought from respondents. Only willing respondents were administered the questionnaire. The study was of no harm to the respondents, confidentiality was assured throughout the study. Results Table 1 Socio – Demographic Characteristics of the respondents (n=185) Variables Frequency Percentage (%) Age (years) 18-23 years 24-28 years 29-33 years 34-38 years 39 and above Total 82 44.3 32 17.3 32 17.3 19 10.3 20 10.8 185 100 Mean age + Std Deviation = 27.3 + 8.3 Sex Females Males Total 120 64.9 65 35.1 185 100 Marital status Single Married Widowed Divorced Total 112 60.5 67 36.2 4 2.2 2 1.1 185 100 Occupation Trading Health worker Civil servant Unemployed Student Others Total 24 13.0 31 16.8 31 16.8 5 2.7 86 46.6 8 4.3 185 100 Qualifications OND HND BSC MSC PHD Others Total 21 11.4 26 14.1 103 55.7 14 7.6 3 1.6 18 9.7 185 100 Ethnicity Yoruba Igbo Hausa Total 120 64.9 47 25.4 8 9.7 185 100 Religion Christianity Islam Traditional Total 113 61.1 68 36.8 4 2.2 185 100 Table 2 Awareness and Knowledge of Maternal Mortality (n = 185) Awareness of maternal mortality Yes No Don’t know Have you heard about maternal mortality? 169(91.4%) 13(7.0%) 3(1.6%) Knowledge of maternal mortality Yes No Don’t know Do maternal deaths occur mainly in women of reproductive age? 138(74.6%) 30(16.2%) 17(9.2%) Does ANC attendance affect the outcome of pregnancy 117(63.2%) 27(14.6%) 41(22.2%) Can early marriage cause maternal mortality? 131(70.8%) 33(17.8%) 21(11.4%) Most maternal death occur during: (a) Antenatal period (b) Labour (c) Birth (d) Breast feeding 65(34.1%) 169(91.4%) 166(89.7%) 35(18.9%) 95(51.4%) 10(5.4%) 11(5.9%) 117(63.2%) 27(14.6%) 6(3.2%) 8(4.3%) 33(17.8%) Direct causes of pregnancy-related death (a) Bleeding (b) Unsafe abortion (c) Headache (d) Infection (e) Cancer (f) Hypertension 163(88.1%) 164(88.6%) 29(15.7%) 91(49.2%) 67(36.2%) 120(64.9%) 18(9.7%) 14(7.6%) 145(78.4%) 55(29.7%) 78(42.2%) 41(22.2%) 4(2.2%) 7(3.8%) 11(5.9%) 39(21.1%) 40(21.6%) 24(13.0%) Can death occur from pregnancy-related problems 168(90.8%) 10(5.4%) 7(3.8%) One of the SDG goals calls for reduction in MMR to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. 90(48.6%) 10(5.4%) 85(45.9%) The current maternal mortality ratio in Nigeria is 814deaths per live births. 85(45.9%) 11(5.9%) 89(48.1%) Women are at the risk of death when they have malaria during pregnancy. 129(69.7%) 27(14.6%) 29(15.7%) A “skilled birth attendant” at birth may include all of the following: (a) A nurse/midwife (b) A doctor (c) A trained traditional birth attendant (d) Herbalist (e) Auxiliary nurse 181(97.8%) 176(95.1%) 86(46.5%) 23(12.4%) 53(28.6%) 2(1.1%) 9(4.9%) 93(50.3%) 153(82.7%) 114(61.6%) 2(1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 6(3.2%) 9(4.9%) 18(9.7%) Prevention of MM include. (a) Antenatal care (b) Tuberculosis services (c) Family planning (d) Post abortion care (e) Cancer screening (f) HIV counselling and testing (g) Well supervised delivery care (h) Breastfeeding (i) Public health education (j) Women empowerment 171(92.4%) 62(33.5%) 163(88.1%) 143(77.3%) 71(38.4%) 76(41.1%) 172(93.0%) 63(34.1%) 178(96.2%) 163(88.1%) 5(2.7%) 94(50.8%) 16(8.6%) 25(13.5%) 89(48.1%) 90(48.6%) 11(5.9%) 108(58.4%) 4(2.2%) 15(8.1%) 9(9.7%) 29(15.7%) 6(3.2%) 17(9.2%) 25(13.5%) 19(10.3%) 2(1.1%) 14(7.6%) 3(1.6%) 7(3.8%) Table 3 knowledge on the causes of maternal mortality and prevention (n=185) Knowledge on causes of maternal mortality Yes No Don’t know The following can cause maternal mortality. (a) Bleeding (b) Unsafe abortion (c) Headache (d) Infection (e) Cancer (f) Hypertension 163(88.1%) 164(88.6%) 29(15.7%) 91(49.2%) 67(36.2%) 120(64.9%) 18(9.7%) 14(7.6%) 145(78.4%) 55(29.7%) 78(42.2%) 41(22.2%) 4(2.2%) 7(3.8%) 11(5.9%) 39(21.1%) 40(21.6%) 24(13.0%) Knowledge on the prevention of maternal mortality Yes No Don’t know Maternal mortality can be prevented through antenatal care. (a) Tuberculosis services (b) Family planning (c) Post abortion care (d) Cancer screening (e) HIV counselling and testing (f) Well supervised delivery care (g) Breastfeeding (h) Public health education (i) Women empowerment 171(92.4%) 62(33.5%) 163(88.1%) 143(77.3%) 71(38.4%) 76(41.1%) 172(93.0%) 63(34.1%) 178(96.2%) 163(88.1%) 5(2.7%) 94(50.8%) 16(8.6%) 25(13.5%) 89(48.1%) 90(48.6%) 11(5.9%) 108(58.4%) 4(2.2%) 15(8.1%) 9(9.7%) 29(15.7%) 6(3.2%) 17(9.2%) 25(13.5%) 19(10.3%) 2(1.1%) 14(7.6%) 3(1.6%) 7(3.8%) Table 4 Knowledge about the risk factors of maternal mortality (n=185) Variables Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree The following are the risk factors for maternal mortality Lack of education 132(71.4%) 51(27.6%) 1(0.5%) 1(0.5%) Unemployment 56(30.3%) 87(47.0%) 34(18.4%) 8(4.3%) Poor transportation 82(44.3%) 63(34.1%) 35(18.9%) 5(2.7%) Misinformation of available services in health facilities 93(50.3%) 77(41.6%) 12(6.5%) 3(1.6%) Alcohol consumption 95(51.4%) 67(36.2%) 19(10.3%) 4(2.4%) Poverty 157(74.1%) 38(30.8%) 9(4.9%) 1(0.5%) Socio-economic status 79(42.7%) 70(37.8%) 34(18.4%) 2(1.1%) Types of care seeking behaviour during pregnancy 108(58.4%) 62(33.5%) 13(7.0%) 2(1.1%) Distance to health facilities 106(57.3%) 63(34.1%) 13(7.0%) 3(1.6%) Poor health care services rendered in health facilities 122(65.9%) 52(28.1%) 8(4.3%) 3(1.6%) Access to quality maternal care 106(57.3%) 54(29.2%) 15(8.1%) 10(5.4%) Smoking 84(45.4%) 56(30.3%) 34(18.4%) 11(5.9%) Discussion This study highlights community awareness of maternal mortality, revealing that 91.4% of respondents were generally informed about it. However, 8.6% lacked awareness, signalling insufficient local advocacy. Similar findings align with Lawoyin et al.(2007) [18] research, where 47.8% knew someone who died during pregnancy or childbirth. Despite good knowledge overall, half of the respondents were unaware of Nigeria's current maternal mortality ratio, paralleling Okonofua et al. (2009), [19] Adeyemi, 2019, Adeyemi 2020, Adeyemi 2021 & Omoge et al.,2021 [7–12] study, where policymakers were also misinformed. Additionally, 30.3% believed malaria during pregnancy posed no risk, indicating a lack of awareness. Furthermore, over half viewed Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) as skilled birth attendants, similar to Lawoyin et al.(2007) [18] study attributing this to cost and limited health facility access. The respondents in this study highlighted bleeding (88.1%) as a major cause of maternal mortality, consistent with findings from Okonofua et al. research (2009) [19] where obstetric haemorrhage was commonly cited. Unsafe abortion was identified by 88.6%, but over half did not perceive infection as a direct cause. The majority correctly recognized that headache and cancer do not cause maternal mortality, yet only 64.9% identified hypertension as a significant cause. Their knowledge on preventing maternal mortality was positive, with 92.4% acknowledging the role of antenatal attendance. Additionally, 88.1%, 93.0%, 96.2%, and 88.1% recognized family planning, supervised delivery, public health education, and women's empowerment, respectively, as preventive measures. Contrary to study by Shamshiri et al (2010) [20] in Iran, where policymakers disagreed strongly on abortion, here, 77.3% recognized post-abortion care as a preventive measure. Identified community factors impacting maternal mortality included 71.4% associating lack of education as a risk factor, consistent with Karlsen (2011). [21] Additionally, the location of childbirth and distance to health facilities influenced maternal deaths, aligning with Adeyemi, 2019, Adeyemi 2020, Adeyemi 2021 & Omoge et al.,2021 [7–12] , Samuel and Habtamu's (2020) [19] research in Ethiopia, revealing higher risks among women distant from hospitals. Similarly, a study in Argentina highlighted how the place of delivery influences maternal death, as observed by Ramos et al. (2007). [22] Education level significantly influences women's health outcomes, with those attaining secondary education delaying pregnancies, having fewer children, and better access to health information, reducing maternal mortality risk, according to findings by Asamoah (2011). [13] Education's impact on reducing maternal mortality risk was also underscored in studies by Okonofua et al. (2009) [19] , Adeyemi, 2019, Adeyemi 2020, Adeyemi 2021 & Omoge et al.,2021 [7–12] , and Chowdhury et al. (2007). [14] Furthermore, 74.1% recognized poverty as a risk factor, aligning with Fillipi et al. (2006)[23] and Harding et al. (2008) [24] , associating poverty with adverse maternal outcomes due to restricted access to care where complications arise. Implications of Community Knowledge on Risk Factors Influencing Maternal Mortality Maternal mortality remains a critical public health issue, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. In Ede South Local Government Area, community knowledge about maternal mortality is a key factor influencing health outcomes. While the study reveals high levels of awareness among community members, significant gaps remain in understanding the full spectrum of risk factors and the necessary preventive measures. These gaps, coupled with socio-economic and cultural barriers, pose significant challenges to reducing maternal deaths. However, this awareness does not translate into comprehensive knowledge of risk factors. Furthermore, only few were aware of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) that aims to reduce maternal mortality to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030, highlighting a gap in understanding global health initiatives. These knowledge gaps underscore the need for targeted educational interventions to improve awareness of less recognized but critical risk factors. Cultural misconceptions also play a significant role in shaping community attitudes and behaviours. A notable proportion of respondents viewed Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) as skilled, despite the lack of formal medical training. This perception reflects deeply rooted cultural norms that prioritize traditional practices over evidence-based medical care. Additionally, socio-economic factors such as poverty and lack of education were identified as major risk factors for maternal mortality. These systemic issues not only limit access to quality healthcare but also perpetuate reliance on less effective traditional remedies. Addressing these barriers requires culturally sensitive educational campaigns that challenge misconceptions while respecting community values. Preventive measures such as antenatal care (ANC) and supervised deliveries are widely recognized by the community as essential to reducing maternal mortality. Family planning, public health education, and women’s empowerment were also seen as critical interventions. Despite this recognition, practical barriers such as poor transportation, misinformation about available services, and limited access to healthcare facilities hinder the consistent adoption of these measures. For instance, misconceptions about the role of TBAs and traditional remedies often delay or prevent women from seeking professional medical care. A disconnect between knowledge and behaviour further exacerbates the challenges in reducing maternal mortality. While many community members are aware of some risk factors and preventive measures, this knowledge often does not lead to actionable changes. For example, a significant portion of respondents underestimated the risks associated with conditions like malaria during pregnancy or infections, which may delay critical medical interventions. This disconnect highlights the need for community-focused programs that not only disseminate information but also foster behavioural change through practical solutions and accessible healthcare services. The implications of these findings are clear. To improve maternal health outcomes in Ede South, targeted educational campaigns must be implemented to address knowledge gaps and promote evidence-based practices. These campaigns should focus on debunking misconceptions about TBAs and traditional remedies, while emphasizing the importance of professional healthcare services during pregnancy and childbirth. Additionally, sustainable healthcare policies are needed to enhance access, affordability, and quality of maternal care. Integrating family planning, supervised delivery, and other preventive measures into routine healthcare interventions is essential. Efforts to reduce maternal mortality must also account for the socio-demographic variations within the community. Tailored interventions that consider factors such as education level, income, and age can help address specific needs and barriers. By fostering collaboration between healthcare systems, community leaders, and policymakers, a supportive environment can be created to reduce maternal mortality effectively. While community members in Ede South demonstrate significant awareness of maternal mortality, gaps in knowledge, cultural misconceptions, and systemic barriers hinder the effective prevention and management of maternal deaths. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that combines education, policy reform, and community engagement. By bridging the knowledge-behaviour gap and enhancing access to quality healthcare, maternal health outcomes can be significantly improved. Conclusion Based on the findings, the study involving 185 participants revealed a fair understanding of maternal mortality among respondents, indicating awareness and recognition of critical issues. The majority were aware of maternal deaths in reproductive-aged women and the impact of antenatal care on pregnancy outcomes. Most participants correctly identified direct causes of maternal mortality, such as bleeding, unsafe abortion, infection, and hypertension. Notably, a substantial proportion of participants demonstrated awareness of risk factors like lack of education, poverty, inadequate healthcare services, alcohol consumption, and transportation issues. However, the study highlighted gaps in awareness concerning specific sustainable development goals targeting maternal mortality reduction. Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of targeted education and interventions to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance awareness of maternal health issues among the population. This study revealed a significant level of awareness among community members regarding maternal mortality, but also identified gaps in knowledge about the current maternal mortality ratio and risk factors such as malaria during pregnancy. While most participants understood the importance of antenatal care, family planning, and skilled medical care, misconceptions about TBAs and other cultural practices persist. Efforts to reduce maternal mortality must focus on improving access to healthcare, enhancing health education, and addressing socio-cultural barriers that hinder the adoption of preventive health behaviours. By implementing these recommendations, the community’s understanding of maternal health can be enhanced, leading to a reduction in maternal deaths. Recommendations Based on the study’s findings, the following recommendations are proposed: Increase Community Health Education: Implement targeted health education campaigns to raise awareness about maternal mortality and the associated risk factors. These programs should focus on correcting misconceptions about traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and promoting the importance of skilled medical care during pregnancy and childbirth. Improve Access to Healthcare Services: Strengthen the healthcare infrastructure in rural areas like Ede South to ensure that pregnant women can access quality antenatal and delivery care. This should include the provision of transportation services to facilitate timely access to healthcare facilities. Enhance Family Planning Services: Expand access to family planning services to reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancies, which are a significant contributor to maternal mortality. Community health workers should be trained to deliver culturally sensitive information on family planning options. Policy and Government Interventions: Advocate for increased government funding and policies that prioritize maternal health. This includes training more healthcare workers, particularly in rural settings, and improving the supply of medical resources to combat the high maternal mortality rates. Cultural Sensitivity in Health Interventions: Address cultural barriers to healthcare, such as beliefs in traditional remedies, through the involvement of community leaders and influencers. This will help ensure that health messages are better received and acted upon by community members. Declarations ETHICS APPROVAL AND CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE Letter of introduction was sought from the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Adeleke University, Ede. Approval to conduct the research in the community was also sought from Ede North Local Government Authority. CONSENT FOR PUBLICATION All participants provided consent for the anonymised data to be published as part of this study. AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIALS The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. COMPETING INTERESTS All authors declare that there is no competing interest. FUNDING INFORMATION No funding received for the study. References WHO (2023). Trends in maternal mortality: 1990 to 2013 estimates developed by, UNICEF, UNFPA and The World Bank. Geneva: WHO. 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A comprehensive assessment of maternal deaths in Argentina: translating multi-center collaborative research into action. Bull World Health Organization. 85(8):615-22. Filippi, V., Ronsmans, C., Campbell, O.M., Graham, W.J., Mills, A., Borghi, J., Koblinsky, M., & Osrin, D. (2006). Maternal health in poor countries: the broader context and a call for action. Lancet, 368:1535-1541. Harding, G., Coyne, K., Thompson, C., & Spies, J. (2008). The responsiveness of the uterine fibroid symptom and health-related quality of life questionnaire (UFS-QOL). Health Quality Life Outcomes: 6(1):99. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7210602","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":496024970,"identity":"cfca8cab-d929-4ddd-9bbb-c5a94d7a5919","order_by":0,"name":"Adeyemi O. Omoge","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA9UlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYPACZjB54AOQYGMnRcvBGSAtzKRoYeZBsHEDfrHDh198qLGWMzjenXjY5tc2eT5mBsYPH3Nwa5GcnZZmOeNYurHBmbMbDuf23TZsY2Zglpy5DbcWg9s5ZsY8bIcTN9zIBWrpuc0I1MLGzEtIy59/h+s33H+74bBlz217YrQYP2ZsO5xgcIN3w2GGH7cTCWoB+YWxty/dcOaZ3A0HextuJ7cxMzbj9Qu/dPLhDz++WcvzHT+7+cOPP7dt57c3H/zwEY8WIGCTAJEKB4AEYxuIydiAVz0QMIOSCYM8WN0fQopHwSgYBaNgJAIAybdZX5n9H2oAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"University of Oviedo","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Adeyemi","middleName":"O.","lastName":"Omoge","suffix":""},{"id":496024971,"identity":"8b97897a-808d-4fb1-9b9f-c0a2a7905cdd","order_by":1,"name":"Timilehin P. Makanjuola","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Adeleke University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Timilehin","middleName":"P.","lastName":"Makanjuola","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-07-25 05:38:13","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7210602/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7210602/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":88412146,"identity":"98516b0b-acac-4588-85f3-781df439d061","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-06 08:32:11","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":74543,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConceptual Framework\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7210602/v1/2b75147c4c2bf91e2e30fec3.png"},{"id":95266713,"identity":"3a74b6d1-00f1-4aa7-bee2-37e5290a5d6e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-06 06:08:50","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1249858,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7210602/v1/735ee1f0-91ac-4ca4-946c-5162b5eb9514.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Knowledge of Community Members on Risk Factors Influencing Maternal Mortality in Ede South Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eMaternal mortality remains a critical public health concern globally, especially in developing countries. It refers to the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of the termination of pregnancy, resulting from pregnancy-related causes.\u003csup\u003e[1]\u003c/sup\u003e Despite efforts to improve maternal health, maternal mortality remains disproportionately high in Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for approximately 62% of global maternal deaths.\u003csup\u003e[2]\u003c/sup\u003e Maternal mortality is a significant contributor to poor health outcomes in Nigeria, where an estimated 40,000 women die annually due to pregnancy-related complications.\u003csup\u003e[3]\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaternal mortality in Nigeria is driven by several socio-economic and healthcare-related factors, including poverty, lack of access to quality healthcare, and limited education. Studies have identified bleeding, unsafe abortions, infection, and hypertension as direct causes of maternal deaths.\u003csup\u003e[4,5]\u003c/sup\u003e Additionally, indirect factors, such as pre-existing conditions exacerbated by pregnancy, contribute significantly to maternal deaths in developing countries.\u003csup\u003e[2]\u003c/sup\u003e While Nigeria has made some progress toward reducing maternal mortality, the country\u0026apos;s maternal mortality ratio remains one of the highest globally, at 630 deaths per 100,000 live births.\u003csup\u003e[6-12]\u003c/sup\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaternal deaths can be direct or indirect. Direct maternal deaths result from obstetric complications during pregnancy, labour, or puerperium, while indirect deaths stem from pre-existing diseases aggravated by pregnancy, such as anaemia, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, and diabetes.\u003csup\u003e[1]\u003c/sup\u003e Egbulem (2010)\u003csup\u003e[3]\u003c/sup\u003e reported an alarming death rate of 144 women per day in Nigeria due to childbirth-related conditions. The lifetime risk of a woman dying during pregnancy in Nigeria is estimated at 1 in 18, significantly higher compared to developed countries like Sweden, where the risk is 1 in 4500.\u003csup\u003e[3]\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrevious studies have emphasized the importance of socio-demographic factors, such as age, education, and income, in shaping knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about maternal mortality. For instance, a study in Ghana found that women with secondary education were more likely to delay pregnancies and have fewer children, thereby reducing their risk of maternal mortality.\u003csup\u003e[13]\u003c/sup\u003e Similarly, Chowdhury et al. (2007)\u003csup\u003e[14]\u003c/sup\u003e highlighted the role of education in improving maternal health outcomes in Bangladesh.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Nigeria, factors like early marriage, teenage pregnancies, and illegal abortions further complicate efforts to reduce maternal mortality.\u003csup\u003e[15,7-12]\u003c/sup\u003e Despite advancements in developed countries, women in developing nations face persistently high maternal mortality risks. Timely postnatal care is pivotal, as it addresses post-delivery complications, underscoring the need for a check-up within two days post-delivery.\u003csup\u003e[16]\u003c/sup\u003e Obstetric complications, far ahead of other diseases among women of childbearing age, indicate a pressing public health concern.\u003csup\u003e[17,7-12]\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEfforts to address maternal mortality must focus on increasing community awareness and improving healthcare access and quality, particularly for vulnerable populations in rural areas like Ede South. Understanding how community members perceive these risk factors is crucial for designing effective interventions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study focuses on understanding community members\u0026apos; knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of the risk factors influencing maternal mortality in the Ede South Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. It aims to provide insights that could guide interventions for reducing maternal deaths.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study is guided by a conceptual framework that explores the interaction between socio-demographic factors, knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and their influence on maternal mortality outcomes. The framework assumes that community members\u0026rsquo; knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) are shaped by various socio-demographic factors, which ultimately affect their behaviours regarding maternal health. The outcome is expected to be better prevention and management of risk factors for maternal mortality when these variables are addressed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSocio-Demographic Factors/Influencing Factors\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ea.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Age: Younger individuals may have different levels of awareness compared to older individuals, impacting their health-seeking behaviours.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eb.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Education Level: Higher education is expected to improve knowledge about maternal health and risk factors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ec.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Income: Economic status influences access to healthcare services and affordability of antenatal care.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ed.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Marital Status: Married women are often more exposed to reproductive health risks but may also have more social support.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ee.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Occupation: The type of occupation can affect the time and resources available to seek care.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKnowledge\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnowledge about maternal mortality refers to awareness of:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ea.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Direct causes of maternal deaths (e.g., bleeding, unsafe abortion, infections, and hypertension).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eb.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;The importance of antenatal care (ANC) and other preventive measures such as family planning.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ec.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Risk factors like early marriages and teenage pregnancies.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttitudes\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAttitudes toward maternal health practices reflect:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ea.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Perceived importance of maternal healthcare services, including skilled birth attendants.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eb.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Beliefs regarding traditional vs. modern healthcare practices (e.g., reliance on traditional birth attendants vs. hospitals).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ec.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Willingness to seek antenatal care and the importance attached to it by community members.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerceptions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerceptions about maternal mortality and healthcare encompass:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ea.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Perceived susceptibility to maternal complications during pregnancy and childbirth.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eb.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Cultural beliefs that shape healthcare-seeking behaviour, such as preference for home births or traditional remedies.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ec.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Perceived quality and accessibility of healthcare services in the community.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaternal Health Behaviour (Outcome Variable)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ultimate outcome of this framework is improved maternal health behaviour, including:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ea.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Increased use of antenatal care services.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eb.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Timely medical intervention during pregnancy and childbirth.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ec.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Adoption of preventive measures like family planning and skilled birth attendance, reducing maternal mortality.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this framework, socio-demographic factors shape individuals\u0026apos; knowledge about maternal mortality. This knowledge, in turn, influences their attitudes toward maternal health services and their perceptions of risk. Positive attitudes and accurate perceptions are expected to lead to improved maternal health behaviours, such as seeking timely medical care, which is crucial for reducing maternal mortality.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methodology","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy Area\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted in Ede South Local Government Area (LGA), located in Osun State, southwestern Nigeria. Ede South is part of the larger Ede community, an urban area known for its diverse cultural heritage and agricultural activities. Ede South is predominantly inhabited by the Yoruba ethnic group, and the major languages spoken include Yoruba and English. The area is served by several primary healthcare centers and a general hospital, though access to quality maternal healthcare services remains a challenge, particularly in rural parts of the LGA.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study setting is characterized by a mix of urban and peri-urban communities, with most residents engaged in farming, petty trading, and civil service jobs. The selection of Ede South for this study was based on its high maternal mortality rates and the need for localized data to inform community-specific health interventions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy Population\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study population comprises of all people who are 18 years and above from Ede South Local Government Area in Osun State, Nigeria. Leslie Kish formula (n = Z\u0026sup2;\u0026times;pq/d\u0026sup2;) was used for calculating sample size.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy Design and Sampling\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. The study methodology involves employing the Leslie Kish formula to select 185 participants from the Ede South Local Government Area in Osun State, Nigeria. The selection process involved the use of a systematic sampling technique to ensure a representative sample based on population demographics and characteristics, ensuring a balanced and accurate selection process.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Collection Methods\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSemi-structured, self-administered questionnaire that was developed by the researchers. It entailed three sections that investigated socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, their awareness and knowledge of maternal mortality, its causative factors and preventive measures and the risk factors of maternal mortality.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Analysis\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuantitative data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 21.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInclusion and Exclusion Criteria\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInclusion Criteria\u003cstrong\u003e:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eCommunity members within the ages 18 years and above.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExclusion Criteria:Community members below 18 years\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical Consideration \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLetter of introduction was sought from the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Adeleke University, Ede. Approval to conduct the research in the community was also sought from Ede North Local Government Authority.\u0026nbsp;Informed consent was secured from all participants before data collection was sought from respondents. Only willing respondents were administered the questionnaire. The study was of no harm to the respondents, confidentiality was assured throughout the study.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSocio \u0026ndash; Demographic Characteristics of the respondents \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; (n=185)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 199px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 199px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (years)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18-23 years\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24-28 years\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29-33 years\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34-38 years\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39 and above\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e82\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e185\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 600px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMean age \u003cu\u003e+\u003c/u\u003e Std Deviation = 27.3 \u0026nbsp;\u003cu\u003e+\u003c/u\u003e 8.3\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 199px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSex\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemales\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMales\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e120\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e64.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e65\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e185\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 199px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarital status\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWidowed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e112\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e185\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"7\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 199px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOccupation\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTrading\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHealth worker\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCivil servant\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUnemployed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStudent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e185\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"7\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 199px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQualifications\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOND\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHND\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBSC\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMSC\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePHD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e103\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e55.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e185\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 199px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthnicity\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYoruba\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIgbo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHausa\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e120\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e64.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e47\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e185\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 199px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReligion\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChristianity\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIslam\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTraditional\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e113\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e61.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e68\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e185\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 200px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 2\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAwareness and Knowledge of Maternal Mortality \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;(n = 185)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"624\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 302px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAwareness of maternal mortality\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYes\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon\u0026rsquo;t know\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 302px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHave you heard about maternal mortality?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e169(91.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13(7.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3(1.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 302px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKnowledge of maternal mortality\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYes\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon\u0026rsquo;t know\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 302px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo maternal deaths occur mainly in women of reproductive age?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e138(74.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30(16.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17(9.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 302px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDoes ANC attendance affect the outcome of pregnancy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e117(63.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27(14.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41(22.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 302px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCan early marriage cause maternal mortality?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e131(70.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33(17.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21(11.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 302px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMost maternal death occur during:\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(a) \u003cstrong\u003eAntenatal period\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(b) \u003cstrong\u003eLabour\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(c) \u003cstrong\u003eBirth\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(d) \u003cstrong\u003eBreast feeding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e65(34.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e169(91.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e166(89.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35(18.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e95(51.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10(5.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11(5.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e117(63.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27(14.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6(3.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8(4.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33(17.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 302px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDirect causes of pregnancy-related death\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(a) \u003cstrong\u003eBleeding\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(b) \u003cstrong\u003eUnsafe abortion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(c) \u003cstrong\u003eHeadache\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(d) \u003cstrong\u003eInfection\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(e) \u003cstrong\u003eCancer\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(f) \u003cstrong\u003eHypertension\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e163(88.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e164(88.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29(15.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e91(49.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e67(36.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e120(64.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18(9.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14(7.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e145(78.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e55(29.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e78(42.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41(22.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4(2.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7(3.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11(5.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39(21.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40(21.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24(13.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 302px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCan death occur from pregnancy-related problems\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e168(90.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10(5.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7(3.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 302px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOne of the SDG goals calls for reduction in MMR to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e90(48.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10(5.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85(45.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 302px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe current maternal mortality ratio in Nigeria is 814deaths per live births.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85(45.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11(5.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89(48.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 302px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWomen are at the risk of death when they have malaria during pregnancy.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e129(69.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27(14.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29(15.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 302px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA \u0026ldquo;skilled birth attendant\u0026rdquo; at birth may include all of the following:\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(a) \u003cstrong\u003eA nurse/midwife\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(b) \u003cstrong\u003eA doctor\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(c) \u003cstrong\u003eA trained traditional birth attendant\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(d) \u003cstrong\u003eHerbalist\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(e) \u003cstrong\u003eAuxiliary nurse\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e181(97.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e176(95.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e86(46.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23(12.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53(28.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2(1.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9(4.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e93(50.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e153(82.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e114(61.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2(1.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6(3.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9(4.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18(9.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 302px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrevention of MM include.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(a) \u003cstrong\u003eAntenatal care\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(b) \u003cstrong\u003eTuberculosis services\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(c) \u003cstrong\u003eFamily planning\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(d) \u003cstrong\u003ePost abortion care\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(e) \u003cstrong\u003eCancer screening\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(f) \u003cstrong\u003eHIV counselling and testing\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(g) \u003cstrong\u003eWell supervised delivery care\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(h) \u003cstrong\u003eBreastfeeding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(i) \u003cstrong\u003ePublic health education\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(j) \u003cstrong\u003eWomen empowerment\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e171(92.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e62(33.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e163(88.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e143(77.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e71(38.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e76(41.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e172(93.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e63(34.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e178(96.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e163(88.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5(2.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e94(50.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16(8.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25(13.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89(48.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e90(48.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11(5.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e108(58.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4(2.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15(8.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 120px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9(9.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29(15.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6(3.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17(9.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25(13.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19(10.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2(1.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14(7.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3(1.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7(3.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eknowledge on the causes of maternal mortality and prevention \u0026nbsp;(n=185)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"623\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 286px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKnowledge on causes of maternal mortality\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYes\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 130px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon\u0026rsquo;t know\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 286px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe following can cause maternal mortality.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(a) \u003cstrong\u003eBleeding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(b) \u003cstrong\u003eUnsafe abortion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(c) \u003cstrong\u003eHeadache\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(d) \u003cstrong\u003eInfection\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(e) \u003cstrong\u003eCancer\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(f) \u003cstrong\u003eHypertension\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e163(88.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e164(88.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29(15.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e91(49.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e67(36.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e120(64.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18(9.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14(7.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e145(78.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e55(29.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e78(42.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41(22.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 130px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4(2.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7(3.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11(5.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39(21.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40(21.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24(13.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 286px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKnowledge on the prevention of maternal mortality\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYes\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 130px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon\u0026rsquo;t know\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 286px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaternal mortality can be prevented through antenatal care.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(a) \u003cstrong\u003eTuberculosis services\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(b) \u003cstrong\u003eFamily planning\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(c) \u003cstrong\u003ePost abortion care\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(d) \u003cstrong\u003eCancer screening\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(e) \u003cstrong\u003eHIV counselling and testing\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(f) \u003cstrong\u003eWell supervised delivery care\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(g) \u003cstrong\u003eBreastfeeding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(h) \u003cstrong\u003ePublic health education\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(i) \u003cstrong\u003eWomen empowerment\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 110px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e171(92.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e62(33.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e163(88.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e143(77.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e71(38.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e76(41.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e172(93.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e63(34.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e178(96.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e163(88.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5(2.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e94(50.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16(8.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25(13.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89(48.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e90(48.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11(5.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e108(58.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4(2.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15(8.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 130px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9(9.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29(15.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6(3.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17(9.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25(13.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19(10.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2(1.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14(7.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3(1.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7(3.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 4\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eKnowledge about the risk factors of maternal mortality \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;(n=185)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"623\" class=\"fr-table-selection-hover\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 179px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariables\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrongly Agree\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAgree\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisagree\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 142px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrongly Disagree\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 623px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe following are the risk factors for maternal mortality\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 179px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLack of education\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e132(71.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51(27.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1(0.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 142px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1(0.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 179px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUnemployment\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56(30.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e87(47.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34(18.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 142px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8(4.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 179px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePoor transportation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e82(44.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e63(34.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35(18.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 142px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5(2.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 179px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMisinformation of available services in health facilities\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e93(50.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e77(41.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12(6.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 142px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3(1.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 179px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAlcohol consumption\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e95(51.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e67(36.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19(10.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 142px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4(2.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 179px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePoverty\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e157(74.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38(30.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9(4.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 142px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1(0.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 179px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSocio-economic status\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e79(42.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70(37.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34(18.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 142px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2(1.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 179px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTypes of care seeking behaviour during pregnancy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e108(58.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e62(33.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13(7.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 142px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2(1.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 179px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDistance to health facilities\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e106(57.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e63(34.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13(7.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 142px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3(1.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 179px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePoor health care services rendered in health facilities\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e122(65.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52(28.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8(4.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 142px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3(1.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 179px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAccess to quality maternal care\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e106(57.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e54(29.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15(8.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 142px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10(5.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 179px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSmoking\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e84(45.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56(30.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34(18.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 142px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11(5.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study highlights community awareness of maternal mortality, revealing that 91.4% of respondents were generally informed about it. However, 8.6% lacked awareness, signalling insufficient local advocacy. Similar findings align with Lawoyin et al.(2007)\u003csup\u003e[18]\u003c/sup\u003e research, where 47.8% knew someone who died during pregnancy or childbirth. Despite good knowledge overall, half of the respondents were unaware of Nigeria's current maternal mortality ratio, paralleling Okonofua et al. (2009),\u003csup\u003e[19]\u003c/sup\u003e Adeyemi, 2019, Adeyemi 2020, Adeyemi 2021 \u0026amp; Omoge et al.,2021\u003csup\u003e[7\u0026ndash;12]\u003c/sup\u003e study, where policymakers were also misinformed. Additionally, 30.3% believed malaria during pregnancy posed no risk, indicating a lack of awareness. Furthermore, over half viewed Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) as skilled birth attendants, similar to Lawoyin et al.(2007)\u003csup\u003e[18]\u003c/sup\u003e study attributing this to cost and limited health facility access.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe respondents in this study highlighted bleeding (88.1%) as a major cause of maternal mortality, consistent with findings from Okonofua et al. research (2009)\u003csup\u003e[19]\u003c/sup\u003e where obstetric haemorrhage was commonly cited. Unsafe abortion was identified by 88.6%, but over half did not perceive infection as a direct cause. The majority correctly recognized that headache and cancer do not cause maternal mortality, yet only 64.9% identified hypertension as a significant cause. Their knowledge on preventing maternal mortality was positive, with 92.4% acknowledging the role of antenatal attendance. Additionally, 88.1%, 93.0%, 96.2%, and 88.1% recognized family planning, supervised delivery, public health education, and women's empowerment, respectively, as preventive measures. Contrary to study by Shamshiri et al (2010)\u003csup\u003e[20]\u003c/sup\u003e in Iran, where policymakers disagreed strongly on abortion, here, 77.3% recognized post-abortion care as a preventive measure.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIdentified community factors impacting maternal mortality included 71.4% associating lack of education as a risk factor, consistent with Karlsen (2011).\u003csup\u003e[21]\u003c/sup\u003e Additionally, the location of childbirth and distance to health facilities influenced maternal deaths, aligning with Adeyemi, 2019, Adeyemi 2020, Adeyemi 2021 \u0026amp; Omoge et al.,2021\u003csup\u003e[7\u0026ndash;12]\u003c/sup\u003e, Samuel and Habtamu's (2020)\u003csup\u003e[19]\u003c/sup\u003e research in Ethiopia, revealing higher risks among women distant from hospitals. Similarly, a study in Argentina highlighted how the place of delivery influences maternal death, as observed by Ramos et al. (2007).\u003csup\u003e[22]\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEducation level significantly influences women's health outcomes, with those attaining secondary education delaying pregnancies, having fewer children, and better access to health information, reducing maternal mortality risk, according to findings by Asamoah (2011).\u003csup\u003e[13]\u003c/sup\u003e Education's impact on reducing maternal mortality risk was also underscored in studies by Okonofua et al. (2009)\u003csup\u003e[19]\u003c/sup\u003e, Adeyemi, 2019, Adeyemi 2020, Adeyemi 2021 \u0026amp; Omoge et al.,2021\u003csup\u003e[7\u0026ndash;12]\u003c/sup\u003e, and Chowdhury et al. (2007).\u003csup\u003e[14]\u003c/sup\u003e Furthermore, 74.1% recognized poverty as a risk factor, aligning with Fillipi et al. (2006)[23] and Harding et al. (2008)\u003csup\u003e[24]\u003c/sup\u003e, associating poverty with adverse maternal outcomes due to restricted access to care where complications arise.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eImplications of Community Knowledge on Risk Factors Influencing Maternal Mortality\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMaternal mortality remains a critical public health issue, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. In Ede South Local Government Area, community knowledge about maternal mortality is a key factor influencing health outcomes. While the study reveals high levels of awareness among community members, significant gaps remain in understanding the full spectrum of risk factors and the necessary preventive measures. These gaps, coupled with socio-economic and cultural barriers, pose significant challenges to reducing maternal deaths.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHowever, this awareness does not translate into comprehensive knowledge of risk factors. Furthermore, only few were aware of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) that aims to reduce maternal mortality to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030, highlighting a gap in understanding global health initiatives. These knowledge gaps underscore the need for targeted educational interventions to improve awareness of less recognized but critical risk factors.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCultural misconceptions also play a significant role in shaping community attitudes and behaviours. A notable proportion of respondents viewed Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) as skilled, despite the lack of formal medical training. This perception reflects deeply rooted cultural norms that prioritize traditional practices over evidence-based medical care.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, socio-economic factors such as poverty and lack of education were identified as major risk factors for maternal mortality. These systemic issues not only limit access to quality healthcare but also perpetuate reliance on less effective traditional remedies. Addressing these barriers requires culturally sensitive educational campaigns that challenge misconceptions while respecting community values.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePreventive measures such as antenatal care (ANC) and supervised deliveries are widely recognized by the community as essential to reducing maternal mortality. Family planning, public health education, and women\u0026rsquo;s empowerment were also seen as critical interventions. Despite this recognition, practical barriers such as poor transportation, misinformation about available services, and limited access to healthcare facilities hinder the consistent adoption of these measures. For instance, misconceptions about the role of TBAs and traditional remedies often delay or prevent women from seeking professional medical care.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA disconnect between knowledge and behaviour further exacerbates the challenges in reducing maternal mortality. While many community members are aware of some risk factors and preventive measures, this knowledge often does not lead to actionable changes. For example, a significant portion of respondents underestimated the risks associated with conditions like malaria during pregnancy or infections, which may delay critical medical interventions. This disconnect highlights the need for community-focused programs that not only disseminate information but also foster behavioural change through practical solutions and accessible healthcare services.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe implications of these findings are clear. To improve maternal health outcomes in Ede South, targeted educational campaigns must be implemented to address knowledge gaps and promote evidence-based practices. These campaigns should focus on debunking misconceptions about TBAs and traditional remedies, while emphasizing the importance of professional healthcare services during pregnancy and childbirth. Additionally, sustainable healthcare policies are needed to enhance access, affordability, and quality of maternal care. Integrating family planning, supervised delivery, and other preventive measures into routine healthcare interventions is essential.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEfforts to reduce maternal mortality must also account for the socio-demographic variations within the community. Tailored interventions that consider factors such as education level, income, and age can help address specific needs and barriers. By fostering collaboration between healthcare systems, community leaders, and policymakers, a supportive environment can be created to reduce maternal mortality effectively.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile community members in Ede South demonstrate significant awareness of maternal mortality, gaps in knowledge, cultural misconceptions, and systemic barriers hinder the effective prevention and management of maternal deaths. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that combines education, policy reform, and community engagement. By bridging the knowledge-behaviour gap and enhancing access to quality healthcare, maternal health outcomes can be significantly improved.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eBased on the findings, the study involving 185 participants revealed a fair understanding of maternal mortality among respondents, indicating awareness and recognition of critical issues.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe majority were aware of maternal deaths in reproductive-aged women and the impact of antenatal care on pregnancy outcomes. Most participants correctly identified direct causes of maternal mortality, such as bleeding, unsafe abortion, infection, and hypertension. Notably, a substantial proportion of participants demonstrated awareness of risk factors like lack of education, poverty, inadequate healthcare services, alcohol consumption, and transportation issues.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHowever, the study highlighted gaps in awareness concerning specific sustainable development goals targeting maternal mortality reduction. Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of targeted education and interventions to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance awareness of maternal health issues among the population.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study revealed a significant level of awareness among community members regarding maternal mortality, but also identified gaps in knowledge about the current maternal mortality ratio and risk factors such as malaria during pregnancy. While most participants understood the importance of antenatal care, family planning, and skilled medical care, misconceptions about TBAs and other cultural practices persist.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEfforts to reduce maternal mortality must focus on improving access to healthcare, enhancing health education, and addressing socio-cultural barriers that hinder the adoption of preventive health behaviours. By implementing these recommendations, the community\u0026rsquo;s understanding of maternal health can be enhanced, leading to a reduction in maternal deaths.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRecommendations\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBased on the study\u0026rsquo;s findings, the following recommendations are proposed:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eIncrease Community Health Education: Implement targeted health education campaigns to raise awareness about maternal mortality and the associated risk factors. These programs should focus on correcting misconceptions about traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and promoting the importance of skilled medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eImprove Access to Healthcare Services: Strengthen the healthcare infrastructure in rural areas like Ede South to ensure that pregnant women can access quality antenatal and delivery care. This should include the provision of transportation services to facilitate timely access to healthcare facilities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eEnhance Family Planning Services: Expand access to family planning services to reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancies, which are a significant contributor to maternal mortality. Community health workers should be trained to deliver culturally sensitive information on family planning options.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003ePolicy and Government Interventions: Advocate for increased government funding and policies that prioritize maternal health. This includes training more healthcare workers, particularly in rural settings, and improving the supply of medical resources to combat the high maternal mortality rates.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eCultural Sensitivity in Health Interventions: Address cultural barriers to healthcare, such as beliefs in traditional remedies, through the involvement of community leaders and influencers. This will help ensure that health messages are better received and acted upon by community members.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eETHICS APPROVAL AND CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLetter of introduction was sought from the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Adeleke University, Ede. Approval to conduct the research in the community was also sought from Ede North Local Government Authority.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCONSENT FOR PUBLICATION\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll participants provided consent for the anonymised data to be published as part of this study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIALS\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOMPETING INTERESTS\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll authors declare that there is no competing interest.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFUNDING INFORMATION\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo funding received for the study.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWHO (2023). Trends in maternal mortality: 1990 to 2013 estimates developed by, UNICEF, UNFPA and The World Bank. Geneva: WHO. Available at: https://www.unfpa.org/publications/trends-maternal-mortality-1990-2013 \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorld Health Organization (2023). Maternal mortality fact sheet No.348. Geneva Switzerland: WHO. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-mortality \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEgbulem OE (2010). Nigeria. Health Facts. Nigeria Health Journal. http://nigeriahealthjournal.com (Refriendang. 2012) April 5, 2010.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKhan KS, Wojdyla D, Say L, G\u0026uuml;lmezoglu AM, Van Look PF. (2006) WHO analysis of causes of maternal death: a systematic review. Lancet. 2006 Apr 1;367(9516):1066-1074. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(06)68397-9. PMID: 16581405.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLiu S, Joseph KS, Liston RM, Bartholomew S, Walker M, Le\u0026oacute;n JA, Kirby RS, Sauve R, Kramer MS; Maternal Health Study Group of the Canadian Perinatal Surveillance System (Public Health Agency of Canada) (2011). Incidence, risk factors, and associated complications of eclampsia. Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Nov;118(5):987-994. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e31823311c1. PMID: 22015865.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollender G, Gabrysch S, Campbell OM. (2012). Reducing maternal mortality: better monitoring, indicators and benchmarks needed to improve emergency obstetric care. Research summary for policymakers. Trop Med Int Health. 2012 Jun;17(6):694-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3156.2012.02983.x. Epub 2012 Apr 19. PMID: 22512353.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdeyemi OO (2019): Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Malaria in Pregnancy Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics at Hospitals in Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria. Emerg Infect Dis Diag J: EIDDJ-100005\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdeyemi OO (2020): Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Malaria in Pregnancy among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics at Hospitals in Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria. Available from: https://www.scitcentralconferences.com/accepteddetails/global-congress-on-infectious-diseases-hivaids/777\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdeyemi OO (2021): Association between Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Malaria in Pregnancy among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics at Hospitals in Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria. J Infect Dis Preve Med. 9: 238.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOmoge Adeyemi O., Akinduro Oluwaniyi P., Adejumobi Adejumoke O., and Eweka Agnes O. (2021): Breastfeeding Practices among Mothers Living in Ede North Local Government, Osun State, Nigeria. Int J Pub Health Safety 6 (2021):250\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOmoge, A.O., Oyedele, M.O., Erinsakin, O.B., \u0026amp; Oluwafemi, O.D. (2023). Family Planning Services Utilization among Women Visiting Better Life Primary Healthcare Centre for Family Planning Services in Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria. Preprints. DOI: https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202310.0575.v1 \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOmoge Adeyemi O. (2021): Prevalence of Hypertension among Residents of Ebudu Community in Edo State, Nigeria. J Hypertens (Los Angel) 10 (2021): 298.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAsamoah, B.O., Moussa, K.M., Stafstr\u0026ouml;m, M. et al. (2011). Distribution of causes of maternal mortality among different socio-demographic groups in Ghana; a descriptive study . BMC Public Health 11, 159 (2011). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-11-159\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChowdhury, M., Botlero, E. R., Koblinsky, M., Saha, S. K., Dieltiens, G. and Ronsmans, C. (2007). Determinants of reduction in maternal mortality in Matlab, Bangladesh: A 30-year cohort study. The Lancet, 370, 1320\u0026ndash;1328.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdepoju W (2012). Nigeria\u0026rsquo;s Maternal Mortality Rate Unacceptable. The Nation online. Net (The Nation Newspaper 24th of February 2012).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNDHS 2006-2007. Available at: https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/fr204/fr204c.pdf \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWHO World Health Organization (2023). Managing complications in pregnancy and childbirth: A guide for midwives and doctors, Geneva, 2010. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565493 \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLawoyin TO, Lawoyin OO, Adewole DA. (2007). Men\u0026apos;s perception of maternal mortality in Nigeria. J Public Health Policy. 2007;28(3):299-318. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.jphp.3200143. PMID: 17717541.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOkonofua, F., Inarhugube, S., Hussanm. M, \u0026amp; Wulf, J. (2009). A strategy for reducing maternal mortality. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 77 (2).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShamshiri Milani H, Pourreza A, Akbari F. (2010). Knowledge and Attitudes of a Number of Iranian Policymakers towards Abortion. J Reprod Infertil. 2010;11(3):189-95.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKarlsen et al. (2011). The relationship between maternal education and mortality among women giving birth in health care institutions: Analysis of the cross sectional WHO Global Survey on Maternal and Perinatal Health. BMC Public Health 2011 11:606\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRamos, S., Karolinski, A., Romero, M., \u0026amp; Mercer, R. (2007). A comprehensive assessment of maternal deaths in Argentina: translating multi-center collaborative research into action. Bull World Health Organization. 85(8):615-22.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFilippi, V., Ronsmans, C., Campbell, O.M., Graham, W.J., Mills, A., Borghi, J., Koblinsky, M., \u0026amp; Osrin, D. (2006). Maternal health in poor countries: the broader context and a call for action. Lancet, 368:1535-1541.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHarding, G., Coyne, K., Thompson, C., \u0026amp; Spies, J. (2008). The responsiveness of the uterine fibroid symptom and health-related quality of life questionnaire (UFS-QOL). Health Quality Life Outcomes: 6(1):99.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Knowledge, Community Members, Risk Factors, Maternal Mortality","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7210602/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7210602/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground: \u003c/strong\u003eMaternal mortality in Nigeria remains critical, with approximately 40,000 women dying annually due to pregnancy-related complications. Factors such as limited access to healthcare, poverty, and early marriage exacerbate the crisis, highlighting the need for more effective interventions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObjectives: \u003c/strong\u003eThis study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of community members regarding the risk factors influencing maternal mortality in Ede South Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodology: \u003c/strong\u003eA descriptive cross-sectional design was used, involving 185 participants selected through systematic sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analysed with SPSS version 21.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults: \u003c/strong\u003eThe study encompassed 185 participants. 64.9% females with a mean age of 27.3 \u003cu\u003e+\u003c/u\u003e 8.3 years. Among them, 60.5% were single, 46.6% being students, 55.7% held a BSc degree, 64.9% were Yoruba and 61.1% identified as Christian. Results show that 91.4% of participants were aware of maternal mortality, and most identified direct causes such as bleeding (88.1%) and unsafe abortion (88.6%). However, gaps remain in understanding risk factors like hypertension and awareness of relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion: \u003c/strong\u003eThe study highlights the need for targeted health education and improved healthcare services to address these gaps and reduce maternal mortality.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Knowledge of Community Members on Risk Factors Influencing Maternal Mortality in Ede South Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-08-06 08:32:07","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7210602/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"8184245d-7e43-4ec1-be01-2e5a605d4b0a","owner":[],"postedDate":"August 6th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-11-06T06:08:28+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-08-06 08:32:07","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7210602","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7210602","identity":"rs-7210602","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}