Medical students' and public obstetric health care workers' knowledge of the Saving Mothers campaign

Abstract

Maternal mortality in South Africa has been receiving attention since it became notifiable in 1997. The 'big five' causes of maternal mortality are non-pregnancy-related infections (mainly HIV), complications of hypertension during pregnancy, obstetric haemorrhage, pregnancyrelated sepsis and pre-existing medical conditions. In many cases in which women die during pregnancy or childbirth, avoidable health worker-related factors can be identified. This study assessed the knowledge of different levels of medical students and health care workers at public health obstetric facilities in Bloemfontein concerning the Saving Mothers campaign. The self-administered, test-like questionnaire was completed by senior medical students, interns and obstetric personnel (nurses or midwives). Interns obtained the highest median score (48%) for the questionnaire, while nurses obtained a median score of 31%. The results strongly suggest that training specific to the Saving Mothers campaign is urgently required across all levels of health care personnel. © 2011. The Authors.