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Somaliland has one of the highest maternal mortality rates worldwide, yet there is limited evidence for severe maternal outcomes and challenges with the provision and utilisation of emergency obstetric care (EmOC). This thesis studied quality of maternal healthcare by exploring severe maternal outcomes and the influences of delays and decision-making on caesarean sections in Somaliland.

In Paper I, incidences of severe maternal outcomes and unmet need for emergency obstetric care interventions were investigated at the national hospital using a cross sectional study. The maternal mortality ratio was 462 per 100,000 live births and the maternal near miss ratio 56.5 per 1000 live births, according to sub-Saharan Africa criteria. Most laparotomies (60%) were performed after more than 3 hours. Medical complications (63%) had the highest mortality index.

In Paper II, an explorative qualitative study using focus group discussions was conducted with healthcare providers. A collective decision-making process at the family rather than individual level by the woman; poverty and lack of awareness; and healthcare system factors such as miscommunication, infrastructure and inadequate collaboration were experienced as factors contributing to delays with the utilisation of EmOC.

In Paper III, a cohort study examined whether there was an association between delayed caesarean section (CS) and adverse maternal and newborn outcomes and the type of barrier leading to delayed CS. A delay in CS of more than 3 hours was associated with higher odds of severe maternal outcomes (aOR 1.58, (95% CI [1.13–2.21]). Moreover, family decision-making for consent was the most important barrier leading to delays of more than 3 hours (48%). 

In Paper IV, a mixed methods study was conducted to investigate barriers to and facilitators of timely family consent for CS. Women with hypertensive disorders (aOR 8.491, 95% [1.076–66.991]) and obstetric hemorrhage (aOR 3.209, 95% CI [1.159–8.887]) were likely to have late family consent for CS. Poor communication and understanding, differences in understanding between family members on the need for CS and absence of the person giving consent were barriers to timely family consent for CS to be performed. Husband’s autonomous decision-making for CS, adequate disclosure of all relevant information about CS and previous CS aided timely family consent for CS performance.

There is need to improve the overall quality of maternal healthcare to reduce severe maternal outcomes. A proactive-orientated model is suggested with strategies targeting the community and healthcare system including training of healthcare providers on intracultural communication competence, obtaining consent and using associated protocols and guidelines, interprofessional collaboration and the use of alternative birth methods other than CS. Antenatal care should be used to prepare families for potential obstetric emergencies and obtain written informed consent. Moreover, women should be allowed to give consent in maternal health emergencies.