RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PREGNANCY AND MATERNAL MORTALITY AMONG GWANDARA WOMEN IN KOKONA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

In emerging societies, large percentage of women lose their lives as a result of pregnancy related Icomplications due to early marriage, non-attendance of antenatal clinic, non-utilization ofmaternal healthcare services among other factors. This paper examines risk factors associatedwith pregnancy and maternal mortality among Gwandara women in Kokona Local GovernmentArea of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A social survey design was adopted for this paper. A sample of 262respondents was drawn, using multi-stage sampling techniques involving electoral wards,towns/villages, main streets, houses, households and individuals. Primary data were utilized in thestudy. The primary data were generated through the use of questionnaires and in-depth interview(IDI). The questionnaires were carefully analysed quantitatively using tables' frequency andpercentage while data generated through in-depth interview (IDI) were analysed to complement thequantitative method using content analysis. Findings from the study revealed that existing healthconditions is the major risk factor associated with pregnancy and early marriage as the maindeterminant of risky pregnancies. The findings equally show that maternal mortality is the effect ofrisky pregnancy. The paper recommends the need for more awareness on importance of utilizingmaternal health care services during pregnancy hence government should organize monthlyseminars, lectures and symposiums aimed at encouraging pregnant women to utilized maternalhealth care services and there is the need for improved educational opportunities for women to beencouraged to dispel ignorance thereby discouraging early marriage. Also, women should besupported and encouraged to start antenatal care early in pregnancy to allow for sufficient time toidentify and treat problems thereby preventing maternal mortality