The application of operational research procedures to maternal mortality from puerperal sepsis in a rural community

An operational research study on maternal mortality from puerperal sepsis was carried out in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State of Nigeria. The study involved ten focus groups holding discussions in two districts of the Local Government Area. The findings were analysed from three broad perspectives, that is, consumers' views, providers' views and community decision takers' views. In general, the analysis revealed that the community knowledge of puerperal sepsis is poor. In addition, limited access and prohibitive cost of orthodox health care services prevented the community from full utilization of the few available health care centres in the community. The study also revealed that there is urgent need to introduce three key interventions for an improved maternity care in the community. These interventions are community health education, health institutions development and community participation in provision of ancillary services such as transportation.