Measuring the Impact of a Maternal Survival Intervention in Guatemala

Fannie Fonseca-Becker, Johns Hopkins University
Catherine Schenck-Yglesias, JHPIEGO Corporation
Gwendolyn Bergen, Johns Hopkins University
Robert Ainslie, Johns Hopkins University

The maternal mortality ratio in Guatemala is one of the highest in Latin America (153 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000). Although the major causes of maternal mortality in Guatemala such as hemorrhage (53%) are preventable, between 69% and 80% of women deliver at home where complications can lead to death. This study evaluates the impact of the Maternal and Neonatal Health (MNH) Program implemented in Guatemala from 1999 to 2004. Data were collected by two cross-sectional household surveys of women 15-49 years of age (baseline N=1008 and follow-up N=1098) in three departments in Western Guatemala. Results show significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes and practices for women exposed to program activities. After controlling for other covariates, women exposed to program activities had significantly higher odds (5.23, p<.01) than non-exposed women of having prepared a plan of what to do in case of a maternal emergency.