Analysis of Socio-demographic Determinants of Maternal Death in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria

Haruna Sheidu Abdulkarim; Abiola Ebenezer Damilola; Dangana-Onuche Gloria Ojonoka; Ibrahim Yusuf Baba; Omede Enebi Israel; Audu Mohammed; Salifu Akoji Israel; Akpata Oremeyi Grace; Musa Aboda Bilkisu; Isah Muniretu Madewo

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11

Research Article |

Analysis of Socio-demographic Determinants of Maternal Death in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria

Haruna Sheidu Abdulkarim^*, Abiola Ebenezer Damilola, Dangana-Onuche Gloria Ojonoka, Ibrahim Yusuf Baba, Omede Enebi Israel, Audu Mohammed, Salifu Akoji Israel, Akpata Oremeyi Grace, Musa Aboda Bilkisu, Isah Muniretu Madewo

Published in Advances in Sciences and Humanities (Volume 11, Issue 2)

Received: 27 March 2025 Accepted: 19 May 2025 Published: 6 June 2025

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Abstract

Maternal death constitute a major challenge confronting the entire world. It continue to be one of the world's most serious public health issues, especially in low- and middle-income nations like Nigeria and many Sub-Saharan African nations. This study look into the socio-demographic factors determining maternal deaths in Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria. The investigation was conducted using the Three Delay Model of maternal mortality (3DM) as s theoretical foundation. 384 respondents were asked to complete copies of the questionnaire using a multi-stage sampling technique. A combination of approaches was used in the investigation. This means that it blends the quantitative (using a self-administered structured questionnaire with open-and closed-ended questions as its instrument) and qualitative (using in-depth interviews) methods of data collection. The data were analyzed using the percentages and frequency distribution tables. The study discovered that maternal death in the study is high due to factors that are socio-demographic in nature, which include; maternal age, marital status, religious belief, employment status, income level, occupation, parity, cultural belief, educational qualification, place of residence/geographical location, and healthcare accessibility. The study further found the improvement in access to skilled birth attendants, improving community education/awareness, improving antennal and post-natal care, family planning/child spacing practice, capacity building for healthcare workers, improving healthcare infrastructure, improving nutrition and anemia, tackling of gender inequality, and addressing socio-cultural barriers as strategic measures for reducing maternal death in Dekina Local Government Area.

Published in	Advances in Sciences and Humanities (Volume 11, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11
Page(s)	26-35
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Analysis, Death, Dekina, Maternal Death, Socio-demographic

1. Background to the Study

Despite significant improvements in healthcare, maternal mortality or death continues to be one of the world's most serious public health issues, especially in low- and middle-income nations like Nigeria and many Sub-Saharan African (SSA) nations. This represents a violation of fundamental human rights, reflecting health and socioeconomic inequalities among individuals

[11]

. Pathetically, two hundred and eighty-seven thousand (287,000) women (mothers) worldwide pass away each year from pregnancy- and delivery-related reasons, the most of them are from developing nations, even though these deaths may be avoided if women gave birth in a medical facility.

Sub-Saharan Africa alone is responsible for about 56% of all the maternal deaths in the world. According to

[28]

, for every 26 mothers, one dies from pregnancy and childbirth in Sub-Saharan Africa. And Nigeria is the most populous and the leading contributor of maternal death in Africa with an estimated 52,000 annual deaths, a figure which put the country as the second-highest after India

[21, 4, 15]

It is worthy of note to state that various strategic measures including the National Health Policy (NHP), the Safe Motherhood Initiative (SMI), and the establishment of Primary Health Care (PHC) centers has been employed by the Nigerian government in partnership with international bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to strengthen maternal health services and increase access to skilled birth attendants

[32]

These measures however, have been met with mixed results due to poor policy implementations, inadequate funding, and systemic corruption have hindered the success and effectiveness of these initiatives

[1]

. In addition, the fragmented nature of Nigeria’s healthcare system, with a lack of coordination between federal, state, and local governments, exacerbates the challenges in reducing maternal mortality. Consequently, the maternal mortality ratio in Nigeria still remains far above the target, signaling the need for intensified efforts

[30]

. Although, a number of few related studies have been carried out only in some semi-urban areas of Dekina Local Government Area. These studies were however limited to Anyigba community, hence, the hunch for this study that aimed at examining the socio-demographic determinants of maternal death in Dekina Local Government Area.

2. Research Objectives

The specific objectives of the study include:

1. To examine maternal death situation in Dekina Local Government Area.

2. To investigate the socio-demographic determinants of maternal death in Dekina Local Government Area.

3. To find out the measures for reducing maternal death in Dekina Local Government Area.

3. Literature Review

The rate of maternal deaths across the globe especially in low income countries is very high. In 2015 alone, preventable maternal mortality during and following pregnancy and childbirth especially in low-resource settings was estimated to roughly 303,000

[22]

. Many socio-demographic factors play key roles in determining maternal death. For instance, education, employment, and health beliefs, access to health care services, and individual’s health risks such as obesity, underlying medical conditions and age at pregnancy are determinants of maternal mortality

[31]

. In addition, women who are over 35 years old and those who are under the age of 18 are especially susceptible to maternal death

[19]

Older women have greater chances of mortality because they are more likely to experience problems like preeclampsia, placenta previa, and gestational diabetes

[29]

. Additionally,

[13]

posited that a higher level of maternal education is linked to significantly lower rates of maternal mortality in underdeveloped nations. In addition, access to maternal healthcare services may be hampered for single moms, especially widows and unmarried women by additional obstacles such as lack of support, economic difficulty, and social stigma. Again, women from lower-income households are also more likely to suffer from food insecurity, malnutrition, and other conditions that negatively impact maternal health. Again, women who are undernourished may not be as physically resilient to endure the rigours of pregnancy and labour and are more likely to experience difficulties during childbirth

[5]

Furthermore, lack of healthcare facilities, scarcity of healthcare providers and inadequate transportation system which are the frequently attributes of rural locations makes it difficult for women in such areas to be faced with difficulties in receiving high-quality maternal health treatments

[1]

. More so, rural healthcare institutions frequently lack the resources, staff, and equipment needed to handle complex deliveries or offer emergency obstetric care

[16]

. Some cultural beliefs prioritize home births assisted by traditional birth attendants over facility-based deliveries, which increases the risk of complications that cannot be managed outside of a medical setting

[10]

[2]

identified poverty among other socio-demographic factors encouraging high percentage of non-use of maternal healthcare services.

In order to meet up with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) objective of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 in 2030,

[23]

advised that developing countries should enhance their preventative interventions to reduce their high mortality rate. One of the ways of achieving this is through competent treatments can lower maternal morbidity and death prior to during, and following childbirth

[20]

. Similarly, the development of public policies that energetically address the great gaps in equity, the allocation of necessary resources for the im plementation of such public policies, the generation, dissemination and the use of evidence to inform public policies, the strength ening of citizen participation and accountability, improvement in the quality of maternal and sexual and reproductive health care, investing in health workforce, identification of barriers, ensuring universal access to contraceptive methods, and address the sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescent populations, recognition of women’s rights and their impact on country development are capable of reducing maternal death

[14]

4. Theoretical Framework

This study is anchored on the Three Delays Model (3DM) for the explanation of maternal death in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi state.

4.1. Three Delays Model of Maternal Mortality

The Three Delays Model usually refer to 3DM for short is a theoretical framework developed by Thaddeus and Maine in 1994 to facilitate the identification of factors that from the onset of obstetric complications to the birth of the baby, contribute to maternal death especially in low-income settings of human world. According to the model, adverse outcomes from obstetric complications are attributable to three delays between the onset of complications and their ultimate outcome

[27]

. In what seems to be an affirmation,

[26]

stated that, extensively the model has been applied in maternal health literature to understand the factors influencing maternal mortality in human society.

The Three Delay Model of Thaddeus and Maine was classified and categorized into three delay factors which include:

1. Delay in the decision to seek care.

2. Delay in the arrival at a health facility.

3. Delay of the provision of adequate care after she reaches a health facility.

4.1.1 Delay in Deciding to Seek Care (First Delay)

The first delay is concern with the decision to seek healthcare services, influenced by socio-demographic factors such as age, parity, cultural and social belief, education qualification, autonomy and gender roles, perception of healthcare quality, and financial barriers refer to as income level

[24, 12, 18, 17, 6]

4.1.2 Delay in Reaching Healthcare Facilities (Second Delay)

The second delay is based on the decision to seek care, influenced by geographical and infrastructural factors such as geographical distance, availability of transportation means, road infrastructure, and communication barriers

[12, 9, 25]

4.1.3 Delay in Receiving Adequate Care at the Facility (Third Delay)

The third delay pertains to the delay in receiving adequate and appropriate care after reaching a healthcare facility. These include factors such as quality of care, healthcare workforce shortages, cost of care at the facility, systemic healthcare inefficiencies, and discrimination and mistreatment

[24, 25, 6]

4.2. Applicability of the Three Delays Model

Applicably, the Three Delays Model provides a thorough framework for comprehending maternal mortality in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi state, Nigeria by highlighting the various socio-demographic factors that raise the area's high rates of maternal death.

5. Methodology

Study Design/Setting

The survey research design was adopted to study the three hundred and eighty-four (384) study’s respondents (women within the age of 15-49 years). This study was carried out in four (Emewe, Odu I, Oganenigu, and Ojikpadala) purposively selected areas in the Local Government Area. The Local Government Area is one of the nine (9) Local Government Areas in Kogi East. It consists of three (3) districts (Biraidu, Okura and Dekina) and has twelve (12) (Abocho, Anyigba, Ojikpadala, Dekina, Emewe, Odu I, Odu II, Egume, Iyale, Oganenigu, Ogbabede and Okura) council wards. The population of the Local Government Area was projected to be 351,700

[7].

The multistage sampling technique was adopted to select three hundred and eighty-four (384) respondents. In-depth interviews were conducted in each of the selected areas. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to evaluate the quantitative data. Descriptive analysis was done on the qualitative information obtained through in-depth interviews (IDI) to support the quantitative findings.

6. Results

Table 1. Percentage Distribution of Scio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents.

Variables	Category	Frequency (378)	Percentage (%)
Age in years:	15-19	91	23.7
	20-24	80	20.8
	25-29	58	15.1
	30-34	55	14.3
	35-39	51	13.3
	40₊	49	12.8
Religious Belief:	Islam	173	45.1
	Christianity	153	39.8
	African Trad. Rel.	58	15.1
Marital Status:	Single	86	22.4
	Married	108	28.1
	Separated	60	15.6
	Divorced	63	16.4
	Widow/widower	67	17.4
Educational Attainment:	Non formal	60	15.6
	Primary	109	28.4
	Secondary	107	27.9
	Tertiary	99	25.8
Ethnic Afiliation:	Igala	176	45.8
	Okun/Yoruba	78	20.3
	Ebira	53	13.8
	Others	77	20.1
Occupation:	Unemployed	81	21.1
	Private sector employee	38	9.9
	Civil servant	58	15.1
	Business/Trading	161	41.9
	Other	46	12.0
Monthly Income:	Less than ₦30,000	100	26.0
	₦30,000-₦34,000	84	21.9
	₦35,000-₦39,000	75	19.5
	₦40,000-₦44,000	58	15.1
	₦45,000+	67	17.4

Source: Field Survey, 2024

Table 1 above shows the socio-demographic distribution of the respondents. From the results, it is shown that all the study’s respondents were female (15-49 years old). The results also indicated that majority (23.7%) were within the ages of 15-19, 20.8% were within the age of 20-24 years, 15.1% were within age 25-29 years, 14.3% were within the age of 30-34 years, 13.3% were within the age of 35-39 years, and 12.8% were within the age of 40 years and above.

Additionally, results indicated that 45.1% of the respondents practice the Islamic religion, 39.8% practices Christianity, and 15.1% practices the African Traditional Religion (ATR). Furthermore, the results indicated that 22.4% were single, 28.1% were married, 15.6% were separated, 16.4% divorced, and 17.4% were either widow or widower. 15.6% were found to have non-formal education, 28.4% were found to have primary education, 27.9% were found to have secondary education and 25.8% were found to have tertiary education.

Finally, the study also found that 45.8% were Igalas, 20.3% were Okun/Yoruba, 13.8% were Ebiras, and 20.1% belongs to other tribes. It was also found that 21.1% were unemployed, 9.9% were employed in the private sectors, 15.1% were civil servants, 41.9% were into business or trading and 12.0% were engaged in other activities. Results from the study also indicated that 26.0% earns less than ₦30,000, 21.9% earns ₦30,000-₦34,000, 19.5% earns ₦35,000-₦39,000, 15.1% earns ₦40,000-₦44,000, and 17.4% earns ₦45,000 and above as monthly incomes.

Table 2. Percentage Distribution of Respondents on Maternal Death Situation in Dekina Local Government Area.

Variables	Category	Frequency (384)	Percentage (%)
Maternal Health Situation in Dekina LGA:	High	Moderate	Low	Total
	306	55	23	384
	(79.7%)	(14.3%)	(6.0%)	100

Source: Field Survey, 2024

Table 2 above indicated that majority (79.7%) of the respondents rated maternal death situation in Dekina Local Government Area to be high, 14.3% of them rated it to be moderate, while, only few (6.0%) rated it to be low.

An interviewee in her response stated that:

The rate of deaths among women here in Emewe especially during delivery is high. Only God can help as some of us are scared of getting pregnant (IDI/Female Respondents in Emewe/July 13^th/2024).

Another interviewee also reported that:

Maternal death situation in this community is one of the worst you can get in the world. Many women regularly lost their lives, sometimes including the lives of their babies during pregnancy and labour. It is indeed pathetic situation (IDI/Female Respondents in Oganenigu/July 19^th/2024).

Again, another interviewee in Ojikpadala stated that:

The maternal death here is threatening, sometimes, within three to four mothers can die out of ten that are pregnant. Our condition can only change if we have good hospitals and government attention (IDI/Female Respondents in Ojikpadala/July 16^th/2024).

However, an interviewee in Odu I stated that:

Although women dies during pregnancy and child labour but it is not that pronounced in this community. We easily rush to Anyigba or the little available healthcare centres here (IDI/Female Respondents in Odu I/July 23^rd /2024).

Table 3. Percentage Distribution of Respondents on Socio-Demographic Determinants of Maternal Death in Dekina Local Government Area.

Variables	Strongly Agree	Agree	Undecided	Disagree	Strongly Disagree	Total
Maternal Age:	116 (30.2%)	111 (29.0%)	26 (6.8%)	22 (5.7%)	19 (4.9%)	384 (100%)
Marital Status	246 (64.1%)	82 (21.4%)	31 (8.1%)	7 (1.8%)	18 (4.7%)	384 (100%)
Religious Belief:	181 (47.1%)	193 (50.2%)	9 (2.3%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.3%)	384 (100%)
Employment Status:	211 (54.9%)	146 (38.0%)	11 (2.9%)	7 (1.8%)	9 (2.3%)	384 (100%)
Income Level:	255 (66.4%)	114 (29.7%)	4 (1.0%)	2 (0.5%)	9 (2.3%)	384 (100%)
Occupation:	188 (49.0%)	135 (35.2%)	22 (5.7%)	18 (4.7%)	21 (5.5%)	384 (100%)
Parity:	233 (60.7%)	112 (29.2%)	20 (5.2%)	15 (3.9%)	4 (1.0%)	384 (100%)
Cultural Belief:	226 (58.6%)	131 (34.1)	7 (1.8%)	11 (2.9%)	9 (2.3%)	384 (100%)
Education Qualification:	279 (72.7%)	101 (26.3%)	1 (0.3%)	2 (0.5%)	1 (0.3%)	384 (100%)
Place of Residence/Geographical Location:	326 (84.9%)	58 (15.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	384 (100%)
Healthcare accessibility:	225 (58.6%)	135 (35.2%)	3 (0.8%)	16 (4.2%)	5 (1.3%)	384 (100%)

Source: Field Survey, 2024

As revealed in table 3 above, majority (30.2%) of the respondents strong agreed that maternal age determine maternal death, 29.0% agreed, 6.8% did not decide, 5.7% disagreed, and 4.9% disagreed strongly. Also, majority (64.1%) of them strongly agreed that marital status determine maternal death, while 21.4% agreed, 8.1% did not decide, 1.8% disagreed, and 4.7% disagreed strongly. Again, 47.1% representing the majority of the respondents strongly agreed that religious belief determine maternal death, 50.2% agreed, 2.3% did not decide, none disagreed, but 0.3% strongly disagreed.

Furthermore, the table revealed that majority (54.9%) of the respondents strongly agreed that employment status determine maternal death, 38.0% agreed, 2.9% did not decide, 1.8% disagreed, and 2.3% disagreed strongly. Again, majority (66.4%) of the respondents strongly agreed that income level determines maternal death, 29.7% agreed, 1.0% did not decide, 0.5% disagreed, and 2.3% disagreed strongly. 49.0% strongly agreed that occupation determines maternal death, 35.2% agreed, 5.7% did not decide, 4.7% disagreed, and 5.5% disagreed strongly. 60.7% strongly agreed that parity determines maternal death, 29.2% agreed, 5.2% did not decide, 3.9% disagreed, and 1.0% disagreed strongly.

Finally, the table revealed that majority (58.6%) of the respondents strongly agreed that cultural belief determine maternal death, 34.1% agreed, 1.8% did not decide, 2.9% disagreed, and 2.3% disagreed strongly. 72.7 strongly agreed that educational qualification determine maternal death, 26.3% agreed, 0.3% did not decide, 0.5% disagreed, and 0.3% disagreed strongly. 84.9% strongly agreed that place of residence/geographical location determines maternal death, 15.1% agreed, none were undecided, none disagreed, and none disagreed strongly. And 58.6% strongly agreed that healthcare accessibility determines maternal death, 35.2% agreed, 0.8% did not decide, 4.2% disagreed, and 1.3% disagreed strongly.

In line with the quantitative findings on the socio-demographic determinants of maternal death in Dekina Local Government Area, an interviewee revealed that:

Some of the factors causing maternal death in Dekina Local Government Area are the rate at which little girls gets pregnant these days, many without a husband and some rush to marry earlier than expected and that put them in danger. And when they die automatically a mother has died during pregnancy of labour. Lack of family planning also contributes a lot as mothers give birth without caution probably because of their religious belief. However, this is due to their level of education and awareness of the impending danger (IDI/Female Respondents in Odu I/July 23^rd /2024).

Another interviewee pointed that:

Some of the reasons for maternal death in the area include; idleness. So they have sex to keep body and soul together not minding the danger of uncontrolled childbirth (IDI/Female Respondents in Ojikpadala/July 16^th /2024).

In similar position, another interviewee presented that:

Some of the reasons such as cultural bondage and unavailability of healthcare services, or trained health workers, drugs or/and other important requirements causes maternal deaths in this area (IDI/Female university graduate in Emewe/July 13^th /2024).

Also, interviewee supportively stated that:

Poor household income and geographical location are the major reasons for maternal health situation in the area. She said that, many women carter for their family need and that alone further impoverished the already poor women in the area. She also lamented that geographical location and distance of from satellite towns causes poor maternal deaths among women in the area (IDI/Female resident in Oganenigu/July 19^th /2024).

Table 4. Percentage Distribution of Respondents on Measures for Reducing Maternal Death in Dekina Local Government Area.

Variables	Strongly Agree	Agree	Undecided	Disagree	Strongly Disagree	Total
Improving access to skilled birth attendants:	261 (68.0%)	91 (23.7%)	2 (0.5%)	18 (4.7%)	12 (3.1%)	384 (100%)
Improving community education/awareness:	214 (55.7%)	165 (43.0%)	3 (0.8%)	2 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	384 (100%)
Improving antenatal and post-natal care:	206 (53.6%)	152 (39.6%)	20 (5.2%)	2 (0.5%)	4 (1.0%)	384 (100%)
Family planning and child spacing:	198 (51.6%)	175 (45.6%)	8 (2.1%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (0.8%)	384 (100%)
Capacity building for healthcare workers:	252 (65.6%)	129 (33.6%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.5%)	1 (0.3%)	384 (100%)
Improving healthcare infrastructure:	266 (69.3%)	113 (29.4%)	5 (1.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	384 (100%)
Improving nutrition and anemia:	324 (84.4%)	55 (14.3%)	2 (0.5%)	3 (0.8%)	0 (0.0)	384 (100%)
Tackling of gender inequality:	264 (68.8%)	111 (28.9%)	8 (2.1%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.3%)	384 (100%)
Addressing socio-cultural barriers:	246 (64.1%)	129 (33.6%)	5 (1.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	384 (100%)

Source: Field Survey, 2024

It is revealed in table 4 above that 68.0% of the respondents strongly agreed that improving access to skilled birth attendants reduces maternal death in Dekina Local Government Area, 23.7% agreed, 0.5% were undecided, 4.7% disagreed, and 3.1% strongly disagreed. 55.7% strongly agreed that improving community education/awareness reduces maternal death, 43.0% agreed, 0.8% were undecided, 0.5% disagreed, and none strongly disagreed. 53.6% strongly agreed that improving antennal and post-natal care reduces maternal death, 39.6% agreed, 5.2% were undecided, 0.5% disagreed, and 1.0% strongly disagreed. 51.6% strongly agreed that family planning and child spacing reduces maternal death, 45.6% agreed, 2.1% were undecided, none disagreed, but 0.8% strongly disagreed. 65.6% strongly agreed that capacity building for healthcare workers reduces maternal death, 33.6% agreed, none were undecided, 0.5% disagreed, and 0.3% strongly disagreed.

In addition, the study revealed that 69.3% of the respondents strongly agreed that improving healthcare infrastructure reduces maternal death, 14.3% agreed, 0.5% were undecided, none disagreed, and none strongly disagreed. 84.4% strongly agreed that improving nutrition and anemia reduces maternal death, 23.7% agreed, 0.5% were undecided, 0.8% disagreed, and none disagreed strongly. 68.8% strongly agreed that tackling gender inequality reduces maternal death, 28.9% agreed, 2.1% were undecided, none disagreed, but 0.3% strongly disagreed, and 64.1% strongly agreed that addressing socio-cultural barriers reduces maternal death, 33.6% agreed, 1.3% were undecided, none disagreed, and none strongly disagreed.

According to one of the interviewee in one of the four chosen area:

We are confident that having more availability and access to birth attendant, improving healthcare infrastructure, and improving prenatal and postnatal cares will increase maternal healthcare service patronage of mothers here and that will also reduce maternal death (IDI/Female resident in Oganenigu/July 19^th /2024).

Another interviewee presented that:

We are optimistic that the provision of education/awareness in our communities, improved family planning services, stable economy is capable of reducing hunger in the land, and tackling the age-long gender issue in the Local Government Area will help in reducing maternal death (IDI/Female Respondents in Odu I/July 23^rd /2024).

In a similar view, two female interviewees interviewed separately in Emewe and Ojikpadala coincidentally state that:

Many solutions to reduce the death of mothers during pregnancy/childbirth can be advanced, but if the socio-cultural issues, tackling of gender discrimination and adequate training of the few people who understands little on maternal health can reduce maternal deaths in the area (IDI/Female university graduate in Emewe/July 13^th /2024).

7. Discussion of Findings

The study was conducted among three hundred and eighty-four respondents in Dekina Local Government Area in Kogi Eastern Senatorial area. From the findings of the study; only female (women of reproductive age, 15-49 years) majorly within the ages of 15-19 and others within the age of 20-24 years, 25-29 years, 30-34 years, 35-39 years, and 40 years and above were the study’s respondents. From this finding, women within the age of 15-49 years as the majority followed by those within the age of 20-24 implies that the study respondents were in their active reproductive age and that the hunch-back for the study. Majority of the respondents were Muslims, followed closely by Christians, and few African Traditional believers who were majority married women who are expected to have healthy maternal and childbirth experiences, followed by single women expected to be married soon, and few separated, divorced, and widows.

Majority had primary education, followed by secondary and tertiary educations. Only few had non-formal education. This may be due to the availability of many primary and secondary schools and the establishment of the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba. Most of the respondents were Igalas followed by the Okun/Yoruba and the Ebiras. Although, with some good number of other tribes. This no doubt represents the three major ethnic groups in the state. In spite of their level of primary and secondary education with appreciable tertiary education, majority of them were into business/trading followed by unemployment among those willing to work, with only few engages as civil servants and in other activities, with the least of them in the private sectors. It was also found that majority of them earns less than ₦30,000 followed by those who earns ₦30,000-₦34,000, ₦35,000-₦39,000, ₦45,000 and above, and ₦40,000-₦44,000 as monthly incomes.

As to the maternal death situation in the study area, it was found that maternal death is high as indicated by the majority of the respondents is the study area. This finding is in tandem with that of

[21]

from developing world and African views,

[4, 15, 3]

from the Nigerian view. These studies indicated that maternal deaths in developing countries which include African countries with Nigeria inclusive are high.

On the socio-demographic determinants, the study found that maternal age, marital status, religious belief, employment status, income level, occupation, parity, cultural belief, educational qualification, place of residence/geographical location, and healthcare accessibility determines maternal death in Dekina Local Government Area. This agrees with the study carried out by

[31, 19, 29, 8, 13, 5, 1, 10]

who presented age of mothers, religious belief, income, occupation, education/awareness, parity, cultural beliefs, geographic location and many other socio-demographic factors as the reasons for maternal death across the globe, especially developing world.

Lastly, the study found that to improving access skilled to birth attendants, improving community education/awareness, improving antennal and post-natal care, family planning and child spacing, capacity building for healthcare workers, improving healthcare infrastructure, improving nutrition and anemia, tackling gender inequality, and addressing socio-cultural barriers reduces maternal death in Dekina Local Government Area. This finding agrees with the findings of

[20]

and

[14]

which found that competent treatments, development of public policies, allocation of necessary resources, strength ening of citizen participation and accountability, improving the quality of maternal and sexual and reproductive health care, investing in the health workforce, identification of barriers, ensuring universal access to contraceptive methods, and address of sexual and reproductive health needs as some of the measures for lowering maternal death.

8. Recommendations

Based on the above findings, the study recommended the followings:

1. That intensive education/awareness campaign against high mortality in the study area should be lunched by the governmental at all levels as well as Non-Governmental Organizations and other concern bodies that deal with maternal health related issues.

2. The study also recommended the sensitization of female adolescents on the age requirement before sexual behavior. That is, parents should enlighten the daughter and wards on the danger of becoming pregnant at a tender age.

3. Again, the study recommended the participation of stakeholders such as the religious and cultural leaders on issues relating to maternal health and mortality.

4. Furthermore, availability of adequate healthcare centres and health workers for recommended especially in semi-urban and rural areas to reduce maternal and child deaths.

5. Finally, the study recommended that government, NGO’s and well-to. do individuals should invest in semi-rural and rural areas to boost the economic activities of the people which will in turn reduce poverty among the people. This will again provide job opportunity for the women in the area.

Abbreviations

ATR	African Traditional Religion
GTR	Grupo de Trabajo Regional
IDI	In-depth Interview
MDGs	Millennium Development Goals
N.D	No Date
NGOs	Non-governmental Organizations
NHP	National Health Policy
PHC	Primary Health Care
SDGs	Sustainable Development Goals
SMI	Safe Motherhood Initiative
SPSS	Statistical Package for Social Sciences
UNFPA	United Nations Population Fund
UNICEF	United Nations Children’s Fund
WHO	World Health Organization
3DM	Three Delay Model

Author Contributions

All authors played an active role in this study, contributing to the development of the study's concept and design, the analysis and interpretation of data, and the revision of the manuscript for its intellectual content. They also provided final approval for the version to be published and take full responsibility for every aspect of the study.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

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APA Style

Abdulkarim, H. S., Damilola, A. E., Ojonoka, D. G., Baba, I. Y., Israel, O. E., et al. (2025). Analysis of Socio-demographic Determinants of Maternal Death in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. Advances in Sciences and Humanities, 11(2), 26-35. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11

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ACS Style

Abdulkarim, H. S.; Damilola, A. E.; Ojonoka, D. G.; Baba, I. Y.; Israel, O. E., et al. Analysis of Socio-demographic Determinants of Maternal Death in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. Adv. Sci. Humanit. 2025, 11(2), 26-35. doi: 10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11

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AMA Style

Abdulkarim HS, Damilola AE, Ojonoka DG, Baba IY, Israel OE, et al. Analysis of Socio-demographic Determinants of Maternal Death in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. Adv Sci Humanit. 2025;11(2):26-35. doi: 10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11,
  author = {Haruna Sheidu Abdulkarim and Abiola Ebenezer Damilola and Dangana-Onuche Gloria Ojonoka and Ibrahim Yusuf Baba and Omede Enebi Israel and Audu Mohammed and Salifu Akoji Israel and Akpata Oremeyi Grace and Musa Aboda Bilkisu and Isah Muniretu Madewo},
  title = {Analysis of Socio-demographic Determinants of Maternal Death in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria},
  journal = {Advances in Sciences and Humanities},
  volume = {11},
  number = {2},
  pages = {26-35},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ash.20251102.11},
  abstract = {Maternal death constitute a major challenge confronting the entire world. It continue to be one of the world's most serious public health issues, especially in low- and middle-income nations like Nigeria and many Sub-Saharan African nations. This study look into the socio-demographic factors determining maternal deaths in Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria. The investigation was conducted using the Three Delay Model of maternal mortality (3DM) as s theoretical foundation. 384 respondents were asked to complete copies of the questionnaire using a multi-stage sampling technique. A combination of approaches was used in the investigation. This means that it blends the quantitative (using a self-administered structured questionnaire with open-and closed-ended questions as its instrument) and qualitative (using in-depth interviews) methods of data collection. The data were analyzed using the percentages and frequency distribution tables. The study discovered that maternal death in the study is high due to factors that are socio-demographic in nature, which include; maternal age, marital status, religious belief, employment status, income level, occupation, parity, cultural belief, educational qualification, place of residence/geographical location, and healthcare accessibility. The study further found the improvement in access to skilled birth attendants, improving community education/awareness, improving antennal and post-natal care, family planning/child spacing practice, capacity building for healthcare workers, improving healthcare infrastructure, improving nutrition and anemia, tackling of gender inequality, and addressing socio-cultural barriers as strategic measures for reducing maternal death in Dekina Local Government Area.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Analysis of Socio-demographic Determinants of Maternal Death in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria
AU  - Haruna Sheidu Abdulkarim
AU  - Abiola Ebenezer Damilola
AU  - Dangana-Onuche Gloria Ojonoka
AU  - Ibrahim Yusuf Baba
AU  - Omede Enebi Israel
AU  - Audu Mohammed
AU  - Salifu Akoji Israel
AU  - Akpata Oremeyi Grace
AU  - Musa Aboda Bilkisu
AU  - Isah Muniretu Madewo
Y1  - 2025/06/06
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11
T2  - Advances in Sciences and Humanities
JF  - Advances in Sciences and Humanities
JO  - Advances in Sciences and Humanities
SP  - 26
EP  - 35
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2472-0984
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11
AB  - Maternal death constitute a major challenge confronting the entire world. It continue to be one of the world's most serious public health issues, especially in low- and middle-income nations like Nigeria and many Sub-Saharan African nations. This study look into the socio-demographic factors determining maternal deaths in Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria. The investigation was conducted using the Three Delay Model of maternal mortality (3DM) as s theoretical foundation. 384 respondents were asked to complete copies of the questionnaire using a multi-stage sampling technique. A combination of approaches was used in the investigation. This means that it blends the quantitative (using a self-administered structured questionnaire with open-and closed-ended questions as its instrument) and qualitative (using in-depth interviews) methods of data collection. The data were analyzed using the percentages and frequency distribution tables. The study discovered that maternal death in the study is high due to factors that are socio-demographic in nature, which include; maternal age, marital status, religious belief, employment status, income level, occupation, parity, cultural belief, educational qualification, place of residence/geographical location, and healthcare accessibility. The study further found the improvement in access to skilled birth attendants, improving community education/awareness, improving antennal and post-natal care, family planning/child spacing practice, capacity building for healthcare workers, improving healthcare infrastructure, improving nutrition and anemia, tackling of gender inequality, and addressing socio-cultural barriers as strategic measures for reducing maternal death in Dekina Local Government Area.
VL  - 11
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Haruna Sheidu Abdulkarim

Department of Sociology, Prince Abubakar Audu University,Anyigba,Nigeria

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Abiola Ebenezer Damilola

Department of Sociology, Faculty of the Social Science, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria

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Dangana-Onuche Gloria Ojonoka

Department of Sociology, Prince Abubakar Audu University,Anyigba,Nigeria

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Ibrahim Yusuf Baba

Department of General Studies,UEC College of Nursing,Ochadamu, Nigeria

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Omede Enebi Israel

Department of Sociology, Prince Abubakar Audu University,Anyigba,Nigeria

Contact Email
Audu Mohammed

Department of Sociology, Prince Abubakar Audu University,Anyigba,Nigeria

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Salifu Akoji Israel

Department of Sociology, Prince Abubakar Audu University,Anyigba,Nigeria

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Akpata Oremeyi Grace

Department of Sociology, Prince Abubakar Audu University,Anyigba,Nigeria

Contact Email
Musa Aboda Bilkisu

Department of Sociology, Prince Abubakar Audu University,Anyigba,Nigeria

Contact Email
Isah Muniretu Madewo

Department of Community Health, Ajine College of Health Sciences and Technology,Agbeji, Nigeria

Contact Email

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APA Style

Abdulkarim, H. S., Damilola, A. E., Ojonoka, D. G., Baba, I. Y., Israel, O. E., et al. (2025). Analysis of Socio-demographic Determinants of Maternal Death in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. Advances in Sciences and Humanities, 11(2), 26-35. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11

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ACS Style

Abdulkarim, H. S.; Damilola, A. E.; Ojonoka, D. G.; Baba, I. Y.; Israel, O. E., et al. Analysis of Socio-demographic Determinants of Maternal Death in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. Adv. Sci. Humanit. 2025, 11(2), 26-35. doi: 10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11

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AMA Style

Abdulkarim HS, Damilola AE, Ojonoka DG, Baba IY, Israel OE, et al. Analysis of Socio-demographic Determinants of Maternal Death in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. Adv Sci Humanit. 2025;11(2):26-35. doi: 10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11,
  author = {Haruna Sheidu Abdulkarim and Abiola Ebenezer Damilola and Dangana-Onuche Gloria Ojonoka and Ibrahim Yusuf Baba and Omede Enebi Israel and Audu Mohammed and Salifu Akoji Israel and Akpata Oremeyi Grace and Musa Aboda Bilkisu and Isah Muniretu Madewo},
  title = {Analysis of Socio-demographic Determinants of Maternal Death in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria},
  journal = {Advances in Sciences and Humanities},
  volume = {11},
  number = {2},
  pages = {26-35},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ash.20251102.11},
  abstract = {Maternal death constitute a major challenge confronting the entire world. It continue to be one of the world's most serious public health issues, especially in low- and middle-income nations like Nigeria and many Sub-Saharan African nations. This study look into the socio-demographic factors determining maternal deaths in Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria. The investigation was conducted using the Three Delay Model of maternal mortality (3DM) as s theoretical foundation. 384 respondents were asked to complete copies of the questionnaire using a multi-stage sampling technique. A combination of approaches was used in the investigation. This means that it blends the quantitative (using a self-administered structured questionnaire with open-and closed-ended questions as its instrument) and qualitative (using in-depth interviews) methods of data collection. The data were analyzed using the percentages and frequency distribution tables. The study discovered that maternal death in the study is high due to factors that are socio-demographic in nature, which include; maternal age, marital status, religious belief, employment status, income level, occupation, parity, cultural belief, educational qualification, place of residence/geographical location, and healthcare accessibility. The study further found the improvement in access to skilled birth attendants, improving community education/awareness, improving antennal and post-natal care, family planning/child spacing practice, capacity building for healthcare workers, improving healthcare infrastructure, improving nutrition and anemia, tackling of gender inequality, and addressing socio-cultural barriers as strategic measures for reducing maternal death in Dekina Local Government Area.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Analysis of Socio-demographic Determinants of Maternal Death in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria
AU  - Haruna Sheidu Abdulkarim
AU  - Abiola Ebenezer Damilola
AU  - Dangana-Onuche Gloria Ojonoka
AU  - Ibrahim Yusuf Baba
AU  - Omede Enebi Israel
AU  - Audu Mohammed
AU  - Salifu Akoji Israel
AU  - Akpata Oremeyi Grace
AU  - Musa Aboda Bilkisu
AU  - Isah Muniretu Madewo
Y1  - 2025/06/06
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11
T2  - Advances in Sciences and Humanities
JF  - Advances in Sciences and Humanities
JO  - Advances in Sciences and Humanities
SP  - 26
EP  - 35
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2472-0984
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ash.20251102.11
AB  - Maternal death constitute a major challenge confronting the entire world. It continue to be one of the world's most serious public health issues, especially in low- and middle-income nations like Nigeria and many Sub-Saharan African nations. This study look into the socio-demographic factors determining maternal deaths in Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria. The investigation was conducted using the Three Delay Model of maternal mortality (3DM) as s theoretical foundation. 384 respondents were asked to complete copies of the questionnaire using a multi-stage sampling technique. A combination of approaches was used in the investigation. This means that it blends the quantitative (using a self-administered structured questionnaire with open-and closed-ended questions as its instrument) and qualitative (using in-depth interviews) methods of data collection. The data were analyzed using the percentages and frequency distribution tables. The study discovered that maternal death in the study is high due to factors that are socio-demographic in nature, which include; maternal age, marital status, religious belief, employment status, income level, occupation, parity, cultural belief, educational qualification, place of residence/geographical location, and healthcare accessibility. The study further found the improvement in access to skilled birth attendants, improving community education/awareness, improving antennal and post-natal care, family planning/child spacing practice, capacity building for healthcare workers, improving healthcare infrastructure, improving nutrition and anemia, tackling of gender inequality, and addressing socio-cultural barriers as strategic measures for reducing maternal death in Dekina Local Government Area.
VL  - 11
IS  - 2
ER  -

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