Healthcare Determinants and Dominant Factors of Maternal Mortality Ratio

Background: Maternal mortality remains a critical health challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings, where socio-economic and healthcare system factors exacerbate risks during pregnancy and childbirth. This study examines the dominant factors influencing maternal mortality in Suppa District, Pinrang Regency, Indonesia, focusing on variables such as antenatal care (ANC), delivery techniques, birth attendants, health service availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024, involving 176 respondents. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using Chi-square and multivariate tests to determine the relationships between maternal mortality and the studied variables. Independent variables included ANC, delivery techniques, birth attendants, and health service dimensions such as availability, accessibility, and affordability. Results: Findings indicated no significant correlation between antenatal care and maternal mortality (p = 0.141). However, significant relationships were observed between maternal mortality and delivery techniques (p = 0.007), birth attendants (p = 0.003), availability of health services (p = 0.008), accessibility (p = 0.003), and affordability (p = 0.005). Multivariate analysis identified affordability (p = 0.002), birth attendants (p = 0.003), and accessibility (p = 0.005) as the most significant factors influencing maternal mortality. Barriers included limited healthcare infrastructure, inadequate supplies, and geographic challenges. Conclusion: Maternal mortality in Suppa District is influenced by affordability, accessibility, and the role of skilled birth attendants. Interventions should focus on improving healthcare accessibility, affordability, and resource availability while ensuring the presence of trained professionals during childbirth. Policymakers must prioritize strategies to address these determinants to reduce maternal mortality effectively and sustainably.