Availability of quality health information on morbidity and mortality indicators to improve maternal healthcare services in Migori county, Kenya

Abstract

Assessing availability of quality health information on maternal morbidity and mortality indicators in the provision of quality healthcare services is critical. The study used retrospective and prospective study designs among four facilities with the highest maternal mortality ratio in Migori county; County referral, St Joseph mission, Rongo Sub County and Isebania county hospitals. The study involved eight priority maternal healthcare indicators; Antepartum hemorrhage, postpartum hemorrhage, and Eclampsia, ruptured uterus, Sepsis, obstructed labor, maternal deaths and Prevention of mother- to-child transmission. Similar indicator data from routine health information software (RHIS) and hospital registers were compared to determine availability of quality health information; to inform decision making in implementing annual and strategic plans to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and to ensure quality healthcare services. The study used checklists and open-ended structured questionnaires to collect data. Convenient sampling method was used to select maternal priority health indicators. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) and inferential statistical analysis were done including: correlation, T-test and Z-test for p-values at 0.05 level significance. The results were presented using tables and charts. Rongo hospital was leading in Maternal Mortality ratio (MMR) (781) and Isebania hospital had the lowest ranging from 0-190.The average correlation per facility was 0.512, SD ±1 coverage ranged between 0% and 50%. Perfect association covered 44.6%, strong association 25%, moderate 7.1% and weak 23.3%. Perfect, strong and moderate association coverage was 69.6% and weak and negligible 30.4% respectively. The p-value correlation coverage was 37.5% and T-test achieved 62.5% below 0.05.