Assessment of Non-Medical Causes of Maternal Mortality in Tanzania

Hamisi Iddi

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.83223

Assessment of Non-Medical Causes of Maternal Mortality in Tanzania

Author(s)	Mr. Hamisi Iddi
Country	Tanzania
Abstract	Maternal mortality remains a pressing global health challenge, with Tanzania recording 524 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, exceeding the global average, 211 per 100,000 live births. Despite government interventions including free reproductive health services and improved infrastructure, progress has been modest. This study addresses a research gap on how Tanzanians understand non-medical causes of maternal deaths. A mixed-methods, exploratory research design was employed to examine non-medical causes of maternal deaths from insights of healthcare providers in Urambo District Council, Tabora Region, Tanzania. Using simple random sampling, 10 healthcare providers and social welfare officers participated in Focus Group Discussions guided by a Focus Group Discussions Guide. All respondents were adults aged 18-59 years with tertiary education, and 90% were parents. Content analysis was applied to process qualitative data and Microsoft Excel was applied to process quantitative data collected from respondents. Non-medical causes were categorized into three domains. Socioculturally, failure to recognize obstetric danger signs was most prevalent (90%, n = 9), followed by reliance on traditional practices (70%, n = 7) and reluctance to seek professional medical care (60%, n = 6). Economically, lack of funds for transportation (70%, n = 7) and insufficient resources to procure essential supplies and equipment (60%, n = 6) were primary constraints. Institutionally, distance from home to the health facility (80%, n = 8), delayed referral from home and delayed arrival at referral facilities (70%, n = 7 each), and inadequate or delayed medical supplies and equipment (50%, n = 5) were the most critical barriers. Therefore, maternal deaths in Tanzania are influenced by an interplay of sociocultural, economic, and institutional factors, consistent with the Three Delays Model. The findings indicate that maternal mortality is not solely a clinical issue but a multifaceted problem rooted in community practices, financial hardship, and health system weaknesses. Integrated strategies involving culturally-tailored community education, social protection mechanisms for transport, and health system strengthening in referral networks, infrastructure, and commodity security are recommended.
Keywords	Maternal Deaths, Maternal Mortality, Non-Medical Causes
Field	Sociology > Health
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On	2026-07-16
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.83223

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Assessment of Non-Medical Causes of Maternal Mortality in Tanzania

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