AN INSIGHT INTO MATERNAL DEATH CAUSED BY POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE IN WESTERN TIMOR, INDONESIA

Abstract

AN INSIGHT INTO MATERNAL DEATH CAUSED BY POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE IN WESTERN TIMOR, INDONESIA Kristiani Desimina Tauho*, Ferry Fredy Karwur Faculty of Health Sciences Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana, Salatiga 50711, Indonesia *E-mail: kristina.tauho@staff.uksw.edu Abstract Maternal deaths in Timor Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province, are one of the contributors to the overall maternal mortality rate (MMR) of Indonesia. The MMR of Western Timor Island was 150/100,000 live births in 2015. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the perceived causes of maternal death due to postpartum hemorrhage. Data were obtained from family members, traditional birth attendants, and Posyandu cadres, as well as health providers. Using the retrospective method, this study traced six out of nine postpartum hemorrhage cases in the four sub-districts with the highest maternal death rate in 2010. The research findings showed that most childbirth processes were done at home without any help from health workers. Postpartum hemorrhage happened among women ranging from 24-42 years old; five among them had been pregnant more than four times. Medically, five cases were caused by a prolonged third stage of labor due to a retained placenta. Non-medical factors causing postpartum hemorrhage were poor accessibility, lack of communication devices, and lack of infrastructure. Keywords: maternal death, postpartum hemorrhage, Western Timor