Maternal Mortality Review by Three-Delay Model: A Three-Year Retrospective Study in Ilocos Norte

Maternal health continues to be a global concern because of the rise of maternal mortality. Locally, in Ilocos Region, significant reduction in Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) was achieved from 2016 to 2019, however, there was a rise of MMR, which peaked in 2021 where it recorded an MMR of 77.17.6 The “three delay model” is a framework used to evaluate the reasons for maternal death in terms of identifying hindrances in maternal care that can be studied to improve maternal health.
The study aimed to determine the causes of maternal death in Ilocos Norte using the three-delay model. It included all maternal deaths that occurred in Ilocos Norte from 2020 to 2022 that met the definition of the World Health Organization for maternal death. A total of 36 maternal deaths were recorded from various healthcare facilities in Ilocos Norte from 2020 to 2022. 24 patients were residents of Ilocos Norte while 12 were from nearby provinces. The types of delays were identified, and the most common cause of death was recorded. Severe preeclampsia (n=8, 22.22%) is the most common cause of maternal death. Type I delay (delay in seeking care) is the most common comprising 50% (n=18) of the cases, followed by Type II delay (delay in reaching a first-level health facility) which is 44.44% (n-16), and the last is Type III delay (delay in receiving adequate care in the facility).
In conclusion, this study reinforces those delays in recognizing complications, reaching healthcare facilities, and receiving adequate care significantly impact maternal outcomes. The findings highlight the urgent need for increased awareness, improved transportation infrastructure, and better financial support to ensure timely access to maternal healthcare services. Strengthening antenatal care and providing prompt medical attention
are crucial steps in safeguarding maternal health and preventing deaths.

Keywords: Maternal Death, Maternal Mortality Rate, Maternal Mortality Review Three-Delay Model.