TITLE:
Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Maternal Mortality: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Ghana
AUTHORS:
Ana Maria Simono Charadan, Baribe Duuti, Abraham Babatuiamu Titigah
KEYWORDS:
Post-Partum Hemorrhage, COVID-19: Coronavirus Disease 2019, SARS-COV, AMPATH: Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, MICU: Maternal Intensive Care Unit
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.12 No.5,
May
27,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected global health systems, particularly maternal healthcare. This study examines the effects of the pandemic on maternal mortality rates at Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) in Northern Ghana, a region with high maternal mortality rates. We conducted a retrospective analysis of hospital records from TTH, covering three periods: pre-COVID-19 (March 1, 2019 - February 28, 2020), COVID-19 (March 1, 2020 - February 28, 2021), and post-COVID-19 (March 1, 2021 - February 28, 2022). Maternal mortality ratios were calculated and compared across these periods to evaluate the pandemic’s impact on maternal health outcomes. Results: The pre-COVID-19 era recorded a Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of 571 per 100,000 live births, while the COVID-19 era recorded an MMR of 591 per 100,000 live births, representing a 3.5% increase. The post-COVID-19 era recorded the highest maternal mortality ratio of 790 per 100,000 live births, which represented a percentage change of 33.67% from the COVID-19 era and a 38.36% increase from the pre-COVID-19 era. Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy were the leading cause of death in all three periods, with more than 70% of all cases of mortalities occurring in the Maternal Intensive Care Unit (MICU). Interpretation: The study highlights critical vulnerabilities in maternal health systems exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ghana. It underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, enhance maternal health services, and integrate pandemic preparedness into ongoing maternal health policies. Conclusion: Addressing the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mortality requires a multifaceted approach. Immediate actions include bolstering healthcare resources, expanding telemedicine initiatives, and ensuring equitable access to maternal health services.