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Reducing Maternal Mortality: An Examination of the Role of Skilled Birth Attendants and Healthcare System Strengthening

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Listed:
  • Ndlovu Isaac

    (Diploma in Public Relations, Department of Business Studies Police Staff College, An Affiliate of Bindura University)

  • Matare Morningstar

    (Diploma in Public Relations, Department of Business Studies Police Staff College, An Affiliate of Bindura University)

  • Hananda Loreen

    (Diploma in Public Relations, Department of Business Studies Police Staff College, An Affiliate of Bindura University)

  • Chauke Valerie

    (Diploma in Public Relations, Department of Business Studies Police Staff College, An Affiliate of Bindura University)

  • Mutanda Casper

    (Diploma in Public Relations, Department of Business Studies Police Staff College, An Affiliate of Bindura University)

  • Nyahangari Cynthia

    (Diploma in Public Relations, Department of Business Studies Police Staff College, An Affiliate of Bindura University)

  • Chihwayi Alice

    (Diploma in Public Relations, Department of Business Studies Police Staff College, An Affiliate of Bindura University)

  • Sande Sheilla

    (Diploma in Public Relations, Department of Business Studies Police Staff College, An Affiliate of Bindura University)

  • Sengu James

    (Diploma in Public Relations, Department of Business Studies Police Staff College, An Affiliate of Bindura University)

  • Gomba Proud

    (Diploma in Public Relations, Department of Business Studies Police Staff College, An Affiliate of Bindura University)

Abstract

Maternal mortality remains a significant public health challenge in Zimbabwe despite policy reforms and international support, with preventable deaths persisting particularly in rural and peri-urban areas where access to skilled birth attendants and functional health systems is limited. This study examined the role of skilled birth attendants and healthcare system strengthening in reducing maternal mortality in selected districts of Zimbabwe using an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. Qualitative data from focus groups, interviews, and observations informed a structured questionnaire administered to 120 respondents, with thematic analysis for qualitative data and SPSS (Version 26) used for quantitative analysis, including Pearson Chi-square tests at a 5% significance level. Findings revealed that availability of skilled birth attendants, distance to facilities, quality of care, health system resources, household income, and education level significantly influenced maternal health service utilisation (p

Suggested Citation

  • Ndlovu Isaac & Matare Morningstar & Hananda Loreen & Chauke Valerie & Mutanda Casper & Nyahangari Cynthia & Chihwayi Alice & Sande Sheilla & Sengu James & Gomba Proud, 2026. "Reducing Maternal Mortality: An Examination of the Role of Skilled Birth Attendants and Healthcare System Strengthening," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 10(2), pages 39-47, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:10:y:2026:i:2:p:39-47
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thaddeus, Sereen & Maine, Deborah, 1994. "Too far to walk: Maternal mortality in context," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 38(8), pages 1091-1110, April.
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