Social And Cultural Factors Influencing Maternal Mortality In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa- Pakistan

Abstract

Maternal mortality is an aggravating issue of developing countries and Pakistan is not an exception. Much of this issue is associated with social and cultural factors, which limits women to utilize timely and appropriate maternal healthcare. However, these factors have not been caught enough attention by researchers. Therefore, to fill in the gap, the current research study investigated the social and cultural factors affecting maternal mortality in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan within the context of Three Delayed Model Approach. For this, qualitative method was applied including key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and case studies. Data were analyzed through thematic approach. It was found that delay in health care resulted in maternal mortality which is further associated with social and cultural factors like low social status of women, low nutritional status, unawareness of maternal health care, restricted mobility, low level of decision making in health care and family planning, traditional birth attendants, and early marriages. Hence, women focused initiatives from government and non-government bodies addressing women’s socioeconomic status and their decision-making power are essential to tackle the issue of maternal mortality in the study area.