Verbal Vutopsy on Maternal Mortality in Nigeria: Hearing from the Chief Mourners

The research focused on 50 deceased Nigerian women of low socioeconomic status in different locations of the country with some common characteristics. Primary data were generated mainly through verbal autopsy with widowers employing In-depth Interviews (IDIs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). In addition, unobtrusive observation was carried out in these locations to ascertain in some instances the distance between the deceased homes and the health facilities patronised for antenatal, delivery and/or postnatal care. Secondary data were specific to death certificates issued by some of the facilities. Both ethnographic summaries and content analysis were employed in analysing the data to account for contextual differences, especially in a multicultural society like Nigeria. The findings of the study implicated several issues that are taken for granted at the micro-family and macro-society levels. Consequently, policy relevant recommendations that could contribute to significant maternal mortality reduction were made.