TITLE:
Management of Obstetric Emergencies in Parakou, Benin, 2023: Therapeutic Aspects
AUTHORS:
Roger Klikpezo, Ingrid Bénédicte Olowo, Beaudouin Jean-de-Dieu Edayé, Rachidi Imorou Sidi, Yèyinou Aurelle Ahouingnan, Eric Dettin, Raoul Atadé, Mahublo Vinadou Vodouhè, Awade Afoukou Achille Obossou, Fanny Maryline Nouessèwa Hounkponou Ahouingnan, Kabibou Salifou
KEYWORDS:
Obstetric Emergencies, Management Quality, Maternal Mortality, Benin, Sub-Saharan Africa, Referral System
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Emergency Medicine,
Vol.14 No.2,
June
22,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Obstetric emergencies remain a leading driver of maternal and neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. In Benin, these conditions account for a substantial proportion of preventable deaths at the referral level, yet data on management quality at the tertiary level remain limited. This study examines the therapeutic management of obstetric emergencies at the University Hospital of Borgou-Alibori (CHUD/B-A) in Parakou. Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with retrospective data collection from March 1 to June 30, 2023, at the CHUD/B-A. All women admitted for obstetric emergencies, including pregnant women, women in labor, postpartum (days 1 - 41), and post-abortion cases, were included. Management was deemed adequate when at least 70% of the WHO-recommended actions were applied per diagnosis. A total of 391 cases were analyzed. Data were processed using Epi-Info 7.1.14. Prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated; statistical significance was set at p Results: Out of 1525 women admitted, 391 presented with obstetric emergencies (25.6%). The mean age was 27.8 years. The leading diagnoses were severe preeclampsia (19.7%), acute fetal distress (15.6%), and postpartum hemorrhage (8.2%). Management was adequate in 85.9% (336/391) of cases. Inadequate management was significantly associated with residence outside Parakou (PR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.26 - 4.00; p = 0.006), directed admission mode (PR = 4.61; 95% CI: 1.53 - 13.92; p = 0.007), and compromised general condition at admission (PR = 2.94; 95% CI: 1.64 - 5.27; p Conclusion: Management quality at CHUD/B-A was generally satisfactory, though significant gaps persist, particularly for hypertensive disorders and ectopic pregnancy. Residence outside Parakou, inadequate referral coordination, and poor admission status are modifiable risk factors that require targeted intervention.