MATERNAL MORTALITY: BEREAVEMENT EXPERIENCES FOR SURVIVING CHILDREN OF BALOCHISTAN

Abstract

Maternal Mortality is a leading cause of death among married women, especially in underdeveloped countries. After death of mother, all family members suffer but the surviving children would suffer the most. Therefore, this study was conducted to know the socio-psychological consequences of maternal mortality on surviving children in District Kech, Balochistan. The study is qualitative in nature because of the nature of data and expertise of the researcher. 20 participants, both males and females surviving children were selected for conducting Key Informants Interviews to the know lived experiences of the children. Two Focus Group Discussions were carried out for better understanding of the experiences of surviving children after the death of their mothers. One FGD was carried out with 6 females who left their mothers and another one was conducted with 8 males who lost their mothers due to delivery or pregnancy complications. The age of selected participants were ranged between 10 to 25 years. The district and participants both were selected through convenient sampling technique. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis process. The results of the study suggest that the surviving children have suffered socially and psychologically because they could not get emotional attachment and affection that they could get from their deceased mothers. The orphan children were also socially isolated and treated differently by other family members. The study further suggests that the government should have clear policies and provide economic supports and help them to be independent and self-confident for better socio-psychological well-being.