Eclampsia as a Leading Contributor to Maternal Mortality Among Marginalized Childbearing Women in Muslim Zongo Communities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana: A Mixed-Method Approach.

Background: Eclampsia is a life-threatening complication of pregnancy characterised by seizures and high blood pressure, and it remains a significant contributor to maternal mortality globally. This is a major public concern in the Muslim Zongo Communities in Ghana, especially among childbearing women who are Marginalised Muslim Zongo dwellers. The impact of eclampsia is particularly pronounced due to limited access to quality healthcare and cultural factors. This study has determined the incidence of maternal mortality associated with eclampsia among Marginalised childbearing women in Muslim Zongo communities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana and has assessed how women’s socio-demographic and clinical characteristics influenced the deaths. Methods : The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research methods. The qualitative method included focused group discussions (FGDs) and In-depth interviews (IDIs) with participants and the quantitative method was a retrospective community-based design study. This was conducted over 3 months from September 2022 to November 2022. Data about participants' age, educational level, socio-economic status, area of residence, booking status, gestational age at delivery, and time interval from admission to death were obtained from available limited records complemented with a detailed verbal autopsy for analysis. Results : Eclampsia was reported to be 64.7% of all maternal deaths. These deaths frequently occurred in younger women aged 17-24, particularly those experiencing their first pregnancy. Most eclampsia-related fatalities were seen in women with no formal education (due to limited access to education and healthcare) and those who had not received prenatal care. Maternal deaths were also prevalent among women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, influenced by the attitudes of health workers and the stigma faced by pregnant adolescent girls. Conclusion : Eclampsia continues to be a leading cause of maternal mortality in these communities, largely due to unsupervised pregnancies and deliveries. It is essential to educate and motivate women to seek antenatal care and opt for hospital deliveries, as this is key to overcoming this significant threat.