The Influence of Home Delivery on Maternal Mortality in Longido District in Tanzania: A Mixed Method Study

Background: The paper summarized the influence of home delivery on maternal mortality in Longido district in Arusha, Tanzania. Maternal mortality has been a World tragedy for decades and most Practitioners have set their eyes on medical perspectives while leaving behind sociocultural perspectives that influence negative health-seeking behaviours. The Government of Tanzania is implementing a policy that allows free maternal health services while improving health sectors in ensuring accessibility of services, constant supplies, and skilled providers however, the community is still reluctant towards service utilizations.

Methods: The study adopted a method mix that employed both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. A sample size of 395 was drawn using the Yamane formula where 380 out of 395(96.2%) of respondents were involved. The quantitative data were drawn from 311 (Women of Reproductive Health) which was 81.8% of respondents while the qualitative data were obtained from seven Focus Group Discussions (FDGs) that comprised 48 respondents and 21 key informants who had in-depth interviews. The study included 66.2% female and 33.8% men who ranged between 15-49 years of reproductive age. The qualitative findings were thematically analysed and presented in themes, sub-themes, and quotes while descriptive statistics were used in analysing quantitative findings.

Results: The Quantitative findings indicated that both health complications (HC) and the management of Complications (MC) at home contributed to the Maternal Mortality Rate in Longido district. The correlation coefficient of determinations indicated a significant influence of independent variables on dependent variables. The regression analysis also indicated a significant increase in maternal mortality with the unit increase in maternal health complications and the failure to manage the complications. The qualitative findings indicated that the community understands most of the severe complications that occur during /post-home deliveries like severe bleeding, fits/seizures, high fever, and difficulty in breathing. The use of hot water, hot drinks, sheep oil, and traditional herb concoctions were the common practices found in managing birth complications at home.

Conclusion and Recommendations: addressing challenges of home delivery remains very important as a means of preventing maternal mortality in Longido district. The study recommends bridging the gap between nonmedical and medical practitioners by addressing the knowledge gaps and empowering the community to understand the effects of harmful malpractices leading to maternal mortality.

Recommendations for Further Studies: The same study may be conducted in non-Massai communities and in Urban settings. There is a need to study the causes of home deliveries, and the effects of traditional herb concoctions during pregnancy, delivery, and post-delivery. Future research may also explore the coordination role among traditional and health practitioners in reducing maternal mortality.