Background of the Study
Maternal mortality remains a global challenge, particularly in developing nations where healthcare systems face significant barriers in providing adequate maternal care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), maternal mortality is one of the leading causes of death among women in sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the world, with approximately 512 deaths per 100,000 live births as reported in 2023 (Adedayo et al., 2023). Various factors contribute to this issue, including limited access to quality healthcare, insufficient skilled personnel, poor healthcare infrastructure, and a lack of patient education.
In Kano State, a large and populous region in northern Nigeria, the situation of maternal health remains precarious. Despite efforts by both the government and non-governmental organizations, maternal mortality rates have not seen a significant decline over the years. Recent studies have highlighted the gap in the quality of nursing care provided, with inadequate staffing, lack of training, and underfunding of health services as critical challenges (Ali et al., 2024). Nurses play a pivotal role in maternal care, from prenatal to postnatal stages, ensuring that women receive timely and effective medical intervention. Nursing care directly impacts the health outcomes of pregnant women, influencing both maternal and neonatal health.
Nursing interventions have been shown to significantly improve maternal outcomes through timely identification of complications such as hemorrhage, preeclampsia, and sepsis, all of which are major causes of maternal mortality (Kehinde & Gafar, 2024). The presence of skilled nurses in labor and delivery rooms has been proven to reduce maternal deaths by ensuring the proper management of labor, enhancing maternal education, and providing psychological support to women in distress (Chigozie et al., 2023).
This study seeks to investigate the relationship between nursing care and maternal mortality reduction at Kano State General Hospital. By evaluating the quality and effectiveness of nursing interventions, the study aims to contribute to evidence-based strategies for improving maternal health outcomes in the region and ultimately reducing maternal mortality rates.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the crucial role of nursing care in improving maternal health outcomes, the impact of nursing interventions on maternal mortality in Kano State General Hospital has not been adequately assessed. While previous studies have identified a relationship between skilled care and reduced maternal mortality, there is limited research focusing specifically on the effectiveness of nursing care within the unique context of Kano State. Nurses, especially in resource-limited settings, face several challenges that hinder their ability to provide optimal care. These include high patient-to-nurse ratios, insufficient training, lack of access to medical equipment, and poor infrastructure (Fauzi et al., 2024).
As a result, many pregnant women in Kano State may not receive the quality of care needed during critical moments, leading to preventable maternal deaths. The absence of an effective framework for assessing the quality of nursing care delivered during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period in the hospital further exacerbates this issue. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the specific impact of nursing interventions on maternal mortality reduction in Kano State General Hospital, with a focus on identifying the barriers to effective care and proposing solutions to mitigate these challenges.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the quality of nursing care provided to pregnant women at Kano State General Hospital.
2. To determine the impact of nursing interventions on maternal mortality rates in Kano State General Hospital.
3. To identify barriers that limit the effectiveness of nursing care in reducing maternal mortality at the hospital.
Research Questions
1. What is the quality of nursing care provided to pregnant women at Kano State General Hospital?
2. How do nursing interventions impact maternal mortality rates in Kano State General Hospital?
3. What are the barriers limiting the effectiveness of nursing care in reducing maternal mortality at the hospital?
Research Hypotheses
1. There is a significant relationship between the quality of nursing care and maternal mortality rates at Kano State General Hospital.
2. Nursing interventions reduce the maternal mortality rate at Kano State General Hospital.
3. Barriers to effective nursing care are negatively correlated with maternal mortality rates at Kano State General Hospital.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on assessing the impact of nursing care on maternal mortality reduction at Kano State General Hospital, located in Kano State, Nigeria. The study will specifically focus on pregnant women who have been admitted to the hospital for delivery. The research will be limited to the hospital’s maternity ward and will involve interviews and surveys with nurses and patients. Due to time constraints, the study will not cover all healthcare facilities in Kano State but will provide insights into the practices and challenges at this particular hospital. The study will also be limited by the availability of accurate data on maternal mortality rates and nursing care quality, as well as the willingness of participants to provide honest responses.
Definitions of Terms
• Maternal Mortality: The death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management (WHO, 2023).
• Nursing Care: The professional care provided by registered nurses to individuals to promote health, prevent illness, and treat existing conditions (Kehinde & Gafar, 2024).
• Patient Education: The process of educating patients about their health conditions, treatments, and ways to improve health outcomes (Chigozie et al., 2023).
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