International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics : the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics
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Int J Gynaecol Obstet · Nov 1997
Improving emergency obstetric care at a district hospital, Makeni, Sierra Leone. The Freetown/Makeni PMM Team.
A facility review and focus group discussions revealed poor capacity to manage obstetric complications. ⋯ Women with obstetric complications will seek hospital care if services are available. Government hospital services can be improved by building on existing resources. Obstetric CFR can be dramatically reduced. The need for safe abortion services, which are currently illegal in Sierra Leone, is demonstrated.
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Int J Gynaecol Obstet · Nov 1997
Community motivators promote use of emergency obstetric services in rural Sierra Leone. The Freetown/Makeni PMM Team.
An appraisal of government health facilities documented generally poor conditions, a shortage of drugs and supplies, and inadequate skills among staff. Focus group discussions in the community revealed a lack of knowledge about obstetric complications and difficulty in reaching health facilities. ⋯ The project improved utilization of the PHUs by women with complications, indicating that once services are of acceptable quality, many women will use them. The contribution of the motivators was positive, though smaller than expected.