PERCEPTIONS AND PRACTICES OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN MATERNAL MORTALITY AND STILLBIRTH PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT: INSIGHTS FROM LEJWELEPUTSWA DISTRICT.

AIM OF STUDY: Maternal mortality and stillbirth remain major public health challenges in South Africa, particularly in rural and peri-urban districts such as Lejweleputswa. This study explored healthcare providers' perceptions and practices regarding the prevention and management of maternal mortality and stillbirth, with the aim of identifying factors influencing maternal and perinatal outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A qualitative descriptive design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with professional nurses, midwives, clinic managers, maternal unit managers, and local area managers/team leaders for community healthcare workers working in public healthcare facilities across the Lejweleputswa District. Data were collected through individual interviews and analyzed using qualitative content analysis to identify key themes related to maternal mortality and stillbirth prevention and management. RESULTS: Stillbirth was perceived as largely preventable; however, barriers included staff shortages, limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, delayed referrals, high workloads, late antenatal booking, low maternal health literacy, and cultural beliefs. Participants remained committed to improving outcomes and recommended workforce strengthening, improved referral systems, and psychosocial support. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal mortality and stillbirth are shaped by health system, clinical, and community factors. Integrated, context-specific interventions are required to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes and align with Sustainable Development Goals 3.1 and 3.2.