Key social determinants of maternal health among African countries: a documentary review

Abstract

Background: The phenomenon of social determinants to maternal death reduction in the continent of Africa is a global health problem of increasing concern. Every region had shown progress, although levels of maternal mortality remain unacceptably high in Africa.1; Objectives: This narrative literature review study was conducted for exploring the key social determinants and ways of coping mechanisms, for the reduction of maternal mortality, among African women living inside the African continent.Methods: A narrative literature review design was applied using a variety of search engines employing a Boolean search strategy to retrieve research publications, “grey literature”, and expert working group reports.; Key findings: The review recognized different social determinants among African countries, which affect women’s health negatively. The commonly reported include, health care provider attitude, economic/financial inequity, geographical (transportation problems), insecurity, marital status and age, education, gender equity, material and human resources, socio-cultural factors and health care system delivery. Whereas common strategies to cope with maternal health care services were found to be good dress, good reliance on social network, maternal health education, gender equality and male involvement in reproductive health activities.; Conclusion: The continental maternal death trend did not reduced as it was intended by Millennium Development Goals (Goal - 5) and still continues with Sustainable Development Goals (Goal-3), “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”; therefore the importance of social determinants and coping strategies still remains crucial in accelerating maternal mortality reduction among many African countries.