Analysis of Socio-demographic Determinants of Maternal Death in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria

Maternal death constitute a major challenge confronting the entire world. It continue to be one of the world's most serious public health issues, especially in low- and middle-income nations like Nigeria and many Sub-Saharan African nations. This study look into the socio-demographic factors determining maternal deaths in Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria. The investigation was conducted using the Three Delay Model of maternal mortality (3DM) as s theoretical foundation. 384 respondents were asked to complete copies of the questionnaire using a multi-stage sampling technique. A combination of approaches was used in the investigation. This means that it blends the quantitative (using a self-administered structured questionnaire with open-and closed-ended questions as its instrument) and qualitative (using in-depth interviews) methods of data collection. The data were analyzed using the percentages and frequency distribution tables. The study discovered that maternal death in the study is high due to factors that are socio-demographic in nature, which include; maternal age, marital status, religious belief, employment status, income level, occupation, parity, cultural belief, educational qualification, place of residence/geographical location, and healthcare accessibility. The study further found the improvement in access to skilled birth attendants, improving community education/awareness, improving antennal and post-natal care, family planning/child spacing practice, capacity building for healthcare workers, improving healthcare infrastructure, improving nutrition and anemia, tackling of gender inequality, and addressing socio-cultural barriers as strategic measures for reducing maternal death in Dekina Local Government Area.