NON-OBSTETRIC RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MATERNAL MORTALITY IN GOMBE METROPOLITAN AREA, GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Maternal mortality is a major public health challenge faced by women worldwide especially in developing countries like Nigeria. This study set out to examine the non-obstetrics factors associated with maternal mortality in Gombe metropolitan area of Gombe state. The study aims at identifying harmful cultural practices which are associated with maternal mortality in Gombe Metropolitan. Various literatures were revealed in accordance’s with the research objectives and the study adopted liberal feminist as the theoretical framework. A multistage sampling technique was adopted to draw a sample of 310 respondents. Questionnaire and interview were used as instrument of data collection. The research adopted both primary and secondary data in investigation. The data collected were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 16.0) and presented using frequency, percentage, cross tabulation and chi square. Qualitative data using quotation were used to support the quantitative data. The study tested hypotheses to determine relationship between variables; the first hypotheses revealed that cultural practices such as food taboo, use of traditional herbs and female genital mutilation (FGM) are significant determinants of maternal mortality. The second hypothesis showed that use of traditional birth attendants is significant determinant of maternal mortality which is influenced by factors such as income and level of education. The findings of the study reveal that maternal mortality is influenced by social, economic and cultural factors. Therefore, the study recommends that in addressing the problem of maternal mortality there is need for creating awareness on the impact of cultural practices on maternal health issues. Effort should be made towards poverty reduction and community education on the impact of cultural practices on maternal health.