TO EXPLORE THE CAUSES OF MATERNAL MORTALITY IN TASHAN BABIYE, TIRWUN, WUNTI DADA MATERNITY CENTERS, BAUCHI STATE NIGERIA

Maternal mortality remains a pressing public health concern in Nigeria, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities where access to quality maternal healthcare services is limited. This study explores the causes of maternal mortality in three selected maternity centers: Tashan Babiye, Tirwun, and Wunti Dada in Bauchi State. The objective is to identify the medical, socio-cultural, and systemic factors contributing to the high rates of maternal deaths in these centers, with the aim of providing data-driven insights for policy reform and health intervention strategies. The research adopted a quantitative approach involving structured questionnaires, as well as the analysis of hospital records from the past five years. A sample size of 384 respondents was selected through the use of simple random sampling technique. Findings from the study indicate that the leading medical causes of maternal mortality in the study areas include postpartum hemorrhage, eclampsia, sepsis, obstructed labor, and unsafe abortions. These medical conditions are often exacerbated by delays in seeking, reaching, and receiving adequate care, a framework popularly known as the “Three Delays Model.” Socio-cultural factors such as low levels of female education, early marriage, gender inequality, and reliance on traditional birth attendants were also found to significantly hinder timely and effective maternal health care. Inadequate infrastructure, understaffing, lack of essential drugs and equipment, and poor referral systems were among the institutional challenges identified. The study concludes that maternal mortality in Tashan Babiye, Tirwun, and Wunti Dada maternity centers is a multifaceted issue requiring comprehensive intervention. Recommendations include strengthening community health education, improving female access to education, training and integrating traditional birth attendants into formal healthcare systems, and increasing government investment in maternal healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, the implementation of robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms is essential to track progress and ensure accountability. By addressing both the medical and systemic factors, stakeholders can work towards reducing maternal deaths and improving maternal health outcomes in these communities and beyond. Keywords: Maternal Mortality, Healthcare Access and Socio-Cultural Factors