%0 Journal Article
%T Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Maternal Mortality: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Ghana
%A Ana Maria Simono Charadan
%A Baribe Duuti
%A Abraham Babatuiamu Titigah
%J Open Access Library Journal
%V 12
%N 5
%P 1-27
%@ 2333-9721
%D 2025
%I Open Access Library
%R 10.4236/oalib.1113363
%X <strong>Introduction</strong>: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected global health systems, particularly maternal healthcare. This study examines the effects of the pandemic on maternal mortality rates at Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) in Northern Ghana, a region with high maternal mortality rates. We conducted a retrospective analysis of hospital records from TTH, covering three periods: pre-COVID-19 (March 1, 2019 - February 28, 2020), COVID-19 (March 1, 2020 - February 28, 2021), and post-COVID-19 (March 1, 2021 - February 28, 2022). Maternal mortality ratios were calculated and compared across these periods to evaluate the pandemic¡¯s impact on maternal health outcomes. <strong>Results</strong>: The pre-COVID-19 era recorded a Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of 571 per 100,000 live births, while the COVID-19 era recorded an MMR of 591 per 100,000 live births, representing a 3.5% increase. The post-COVID-19 era recorded the highest maternal mortality ratio of 790 per 100,000 live births, which represented a percentage change of 33.67% from the COVID-19 era and a 38.36% increase from the pre-COVID-19 era. Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy were the leading cause of death in all three periods, with more than 70% of all cases of mortalities occurring in the Maternal Intensive Care Unit (MICU). <strong>Interpreta</strong><strong>tion</strong>: The study highlights critical vulnerabilities in maternal health systems exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ghana. It underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, enhance maternal health services, and integrate pandemic preparedness into ongoing maternal health policies. Conclusion: Addressing the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mortality requires a multifaceted approach. Immediate actions include bolstering healthcare resources, expanding telemedicine initiatives, and ensuring equitable access to maternal health services.<br />
%K Post-Partum Hemorrhage
%K COVID-19: Coronavirus Disease 2019
%K SARS-COV
%K AMPATH: Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare
%K MICU: Maternal Intensive Care Unit
%U http://www.oalib.com/paper/6858015