Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Maternal Mortality: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Ghana

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected global health systems, particularly maternal healthcare.This study examines the effects of the pandemic on maternal mortality rates at Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) in Northern Ghana, a region with high maternal mortality rates.We conducted a retrospective analysis of hospital records from TTH, covering three periods: pre-COVID-19 (March 1, 2019 -February 28, 2020), COVID-19 (March 1, 2020 -February 28, 2021), and post-COVID-19 (March 1, 2021 -February 28, 2022).Maternal mortality ratios were calculated and compared across these periods to evaluate the pandemic's impact on maternal health outcomes.Results: The pre-COVID-19 era recorded a Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of 571 per 100,000 live births, while the COVID-19 era recorded an MMR of 591 per 100,000 live births, representing a 3.5% increase.The post-COVID-19 era recorded the highest maternal mortality ratio of 790 per 100,000 live births, which represented a percentage change of 33.67% from the COVID-19 era and a 38.36% increase from the pre-COVID-19 era.Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy were the leading cause of death in all three periods, with more than 70% of all cases of mortalities occurring in the Maternal Intensive Care Unit (MICU).Interpretation: The study highlights critical vulnerabilities in maternal health systems exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ghana.It underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, enhance maternal health services, and integrate pandemic preparedness into ongoing maternal health policies.Conclusion: Addressing the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mortality requires a multifaceted approach.Immediate actions include bolstering healthcare resources, expanding telemedicine initiatives, and ensuring eq-How to cite this paper: