Social and cultural factors leading to mothers being brought dead to hospital

In a 12-year period (1981-1992) 150 pregnant or recently delivered women were dead when they reached the hospital. Relevant history with emphasis on the events of the previous 24 h and the reasons for delay in reaching the hospital were obtained from the relatives accompanying the patient. The probable cause of death was determined on the basis of history only; no autopsies were done. The causes of delay were economic (54), sociocultural factors (51) and inadequate maternal services (31). In 14 cases the reasons for delay could not be established. The medical problems were either preventable or treatable if managed in time. A combination of economic, social and cultural factors played a more significant role in these deaths than medical causes.