Factors Associated with Maternal Near Miss Among Postnatal Mothers at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda

Background : Globally, about 26% of women experience maternal near miss (MNM) events during pregnancy or childbirth. MNM events are a crucial indicator for evaluating maternal health services and achieving SDG3 which aims to reduce maternal mortality. The study aimed to determine the predictors of MNM among postnatal mothers at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. Methodology: Study design was cross sectional with a quantitative research approach. Using Cochran’s (1977) formula for sample size computation 289 respondents were assessed and sociodemographic, obstetric and other health related data collected from August to September 2025. Statistical analysis involved chi squares, and logistic regressions through SPSS version 27. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. Ethical approval was obtained from the research ethics committee of Uganda Martyrs University. Other ethical principles like informed consent, anonymity were accordingly upheld. Results : Of the assessed mothers, 113/289 (39.1%) were near miss. Underlying causes of maternal near miss were obstetric hemorrhage 54/113 (47.8%), pregnancy‑related infections 30/113 (26.5%), hypertensive disorders 15/113 (13.3%) and other conditions 14/113 (12.3%). Modifiable factors that significantly predicted maternal near miss included having four or fewer ANC visits during pregnancy (AOR = 2.01, [CI: 1.11-3.98], p = 0.047), whereas non modifiable factors that significantly predicted maternal near miss included severe post-partum hemorrhage (AOR = 18.95, [CI: 5.26-68.21], p < 0.001), severe pre-eclampsia (AOR = 4.32, [CI: 3.33-5.57], p < 0.001), sepsis AOR = 5.28, [CI: 7.45-12.22], p = < 0.001) and delivery from the hospital (AOR = 0.23, [CI: 0.08-0.71], p = 0.010). Conclusion : The result highlights critical need for targeted intervention to address these leading causes, improve referral system and enhance care for high-risk mothers to eventually reduce the incidence of MNM.