Global dominance of non-institutional delivery and the risky impact on maternal mortality spike in 25 Sub-Saharan African Countries

Abstract Background Despite 70% of global maternal death occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the high rate of non-institutional delivery (NID), studies that inspect the connections are needed but lacking. Thus, we investigated the urban–rural burden and risk factors of NID and the correlate with maternal mortality to extend strategies for sinking the mortality spike towards sustainable development goal (SDG-3.1) in SSA. Methods Secondary analysis of recent (2014–2021) cross-sectional demographic-health-survey (DHS) were conducted across 25-countries in SSA. Primary outcome was institutional versus non-institutional delivery and secondary outcome was maternal-mortality-ratio (MMR) per 100,000 livebirths and the lifetime risk (LTR), while predictors were grouped by socio-economic, obstetrics and country-level factors. Data were weighted to adjust for heterogeneity and descriptive analysis was performed. Pearson chi-square, correlation, and simple linear regression anlyses were performed to assess relationships. Multivariable logistic regression further evaluated the predictor likelihood and significance at alpha = 5% (95% confidence-interval ‘CI’). Results Prevalence of NID was highest in Chad (78.6%), Madagascar (60.6%), then Nigeria (60.4%) and Angola (54.3%), with rural SSA dominating NID rate by about 85%. Odds of NID were significantly lower by 60% and 98% among women who had at least four antenatal care (ANC) visits (aOR = 0.40, 95%CI = 0.38–0.41) and utilized skilled birth attendants (SBA) at delivery (aOR = 0.02, 95%CI = 0.01–0.02), respectively. The odds of NID reduces by women age, educational-level, and wealth-quintiles. Positive and significant linear relationship exist between NID and MMR (ρ = 0.5453), and NID and LTR (ρ = 0.6136). Consequently, 1% increase in NID will lead to about 248/100000 and 8.2/1000 increase in MMR and LTR in SSA respectively. Conclusions Only South Africa, Rwanda and Malawi had achieved the WHO 90% coverage for healthcare delivery. ANC and SBA use reduced NID likelihood but, MMR is significantly influenced by NID. Hence, strategic decline in NID will proportionately influence the sinking of MMR spike to attain SDG-3.1 in SSA.