TITLE:
The Role of the Three Delays in Maternal Deaths at the University Hospital Center of Kara (CHU-Kara/Togo) from 2023 to 2025
AUTHORS:
Kossi Edem Logbo-Akey, Yendoubé Kambote, Kofi Mawoulé Amewouho, Sougleman Lare, Dédé Régine Diane Ajavon, Abdoul-Samadou Aboubakari
KEYWORDS:
Maternal Mortality, Three Delays, Kara (Togo)
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.16 No.6,
May
29,
2026
ABSTRACT: Maternal mortality is a major public health problem. The objective of this study was to identify and analyze the different types of delays involved in the occurrence of maternal deaths at CHU-Kara. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025, over a period of 3 years, focusing on cases of maternal deaths at CHU-Kara. Results: During the study period, 49 maternal deaths were recorded. The mean age was 27.4 years ± 6.9 years. The majority (89.8%) were referred/evacuated. Direct causes predominate among maternal deaths, representing 53.1% of cases. Arterial hypertension with its complications (46.2%) and hemorrhagic causes (30.8%) were predominant. The first, second, and third delays were involved in 71.4%, 34.7%, and 61.2% of cases, respectively. Conclusion: The three delays, particularly the first and third, were implicated in maternal deaths, highlighting the need to strengthen awareness, access to emergency obstetric care, and quality of management.