Table 1 Type and reason for delays identified for maternal deaths (N=317)
Type of Delay | Reason for the delay | No of women | Percentage (%)* |
Type 1 Delay - Delay in Seeking Care (n=154, 48.6) | Unawareness of danger signs | 99 | 31.2 |
Illiteracy & Ignorance | 62 | 19.6 | |
Delay in decision making | 125 | 39.4 | |
No birth preparedness | 96 | 30.3 | |
Beliefs and customs | 14 | 4.4 | |
Non-availability of health care professional | 11 | 3.5 | |
Any other | 5 | 1.6 | |
Type 2 Delay - Delay in reaching first level health facility (n=107, 33.8) | Delay in getting transport | 55 | 17.4 |
Delay in mobilizing funds | 51 | 16.1 | |
Not reaching appropriate facility in time | 99 | 31.2 | |
Type 3 Delay - Delay in receiving adequate care in facility (n=60, 18.9) | Delay in initiating treatment | 12 | 3.8 |
Substandard care in hospital | 27 | 8.5 | |
Lack of blood, equipment & drugs | 44 | 13.9 | |
Any other | 12 | 3.8 | |
Any delay# | 206 | 65.0 | |