Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40420072›Full record

ArticleReproductive health2025

Lived experiences of maternal near misses: a qualitative study in the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania.

Enna G Sengoka, Gunilla Björling, Michael J Mahande, Janet Mattsson, Gileard Masenga

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Reproductive health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

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PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Enna G SengokaSchool of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden. enna.sengoka@ju.se.
Gunilla BjörlingSchool of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden.
Michael J MahandeFaculty of Public Health, KCMC University, Moshi, Tanzania.
Janet MattssonDepartment of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Gileard MasengaDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundIn recent years, Tanzania has significantly reduced maternal mortality rates; however, pregnant women in Tanzania still face severe health risks and complications. The rate of maternal near misses is nearly 60% higher in Tanzania compared to other low-income countries. Women who survive severe complications during pregnancy or childbirth may experience long-lasting adverse effects, such as poor physical health, impaired sexual function, psychological distress, and a decreased quality of life. Therefore, our research aimed to understand the lived experiences of Tanzanian women who survived severe maternal complications within their cultural and social context.

methodBy using the Sub-Saharan Africa criteria for near misses, twelve (12) women who survived severe maternal complications were recruited between August and September 2022. The study utilized a descriptive qualitative design with an inductive approach to explore women's lived experiences of a maternal near miss. The participants were purposively sampled and interviewed face-to-face in the hospital or their homes six weeks after discharge from the hospital. Recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using Graneheim and Lundman's content analysis.

resultsThe analysis revealed four themes and eight subthemes. The themes were living with severe maternal complications, impact on social life, perception of obstetric care services and person-centred care. The informants described pain experiences, weakness, fear, financial difficulties, neglect, long waiting times, and a lack of information. However, they also mentioned a need for increased awareness of danger signs, care satisfaction, and the importance of close relatives' social support.

conclusionMaternal near misses have a great impact on women's physical, financial, and mental well-being. Women also experience long service waiting times, communication barriers, and neglect. Good healthcare, person-centred care, patient education, and psychological support can improve women's lived experiences.

Indexed as

Maternal Health ServicesNear Miss, HealthcarePregnancy ComplicationsAdultFemaleHumansPregnancyQualitative ResearchQuality of LifeTanzaniaYoung AdultLived experienceMaternal near-missNear-miss womenQualitative studySevere maternal morbidityTanzania

Identifiers

PMID40420072
PMCPMC12107923

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.