Abstract summary 

Severe maternal morbidity has been shown to have specific, long-term effects on health and wellbeing, such as daily functioning and mental health.This study aimed to multidimensionally assess the long-term impact of maternal near-miss complications in Zanzibar.A prospective cohort study was conducted in Zanzibar's referral hospital. Women with maternal near-miss complications were matched with controls. At 3, 6, and 12 months after hospital discharge, history was taken, blood pressure and haemoglobin levels were measured, and multiple validated questionnaires (WHOQOL-BREF, WHODAS2.0, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Harvard Trauma Questionnaire-16) were administered assessing experienced quality of life and disability, and screening for depression and posttraumatic stress disorder.We included 223 women after maternal near-miss complications and 213 women controls. There was a high prevalence of hypertension at 6 and 12 months in both groups and significantly higher after a near-miss. The proportion of women with low quality of life, disability, depression, or posttraumatic stress disorder was not significantly different between the 2 groups. A poor outcome for at least 1 of these 3 health domains was more prevalent after a near-miss complication.In Zanzibar, women after maternal near-miss complications report similar but slower recovery to control participants in the assessed dimensions. Adaptation of perceptions on and coping mechanisms with daily reality might partly explain this. Hypertension has a high prevalence after childbirth and should be treated adequately to prevent recurrent obstetrical and cardiovascular complications. Blood pressure follow-up for all women who delivered at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital seemed justified.

Authors & Co-authors:  Herklots Tanneke T Bron Vreni V Mbarouk Shadya Saidun SS Mzee Maryam Khamis MK Lamers Evert E Meguid Tarek T Franx Arie A Koster Maria P H MPH Jacod Benoit B

Study Outcome 

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