Framework for Stillbirth, Maternal Morbidity, and Mortality Interventions in South Africa: A Systematic Literature Review using VOSViewer

Abstract

Background: Maternal mortality and stillbirth are significant public health concerns in South Africa, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of effective interventions. This study aims to systematically review existing literature on stillbirth, maternal morbidity, and mortality interventions, employing VOSViewer for network visualization and analysis. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted, sourcing articles from Scopus. The inclusion criteria encompassed studies focused on stillbirth, interventions, and mortality interventions in South Africa. VOSViewer was utilized to create network visualizations of keyword co-occurrence, highlighting research hotspots and emerging trends. Results: The analysis identified key interventions that significantly impact maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Major themes included enhanced healthcare infrastructure, improved access to antenatal care, emergency obstetric services, skilled birth attendance, and community engagement. Socio-economic determinants, such as education and poverty, were also found to be critical factors influencing maternal health. The Density Visualization and Overlay Visualization provided insights into the density and evolution of research focus areas, with hotspots identified in maternal mortality interventions and emerging trends in stillbirth prevention. Conclusion: The review concludes that a comprehensive strategy integrating healthcare infrastructure improvements, robust policy implementation, socio-economic support, and community engagement is essential for effectively reducing stillbirth, maternal morbidity, and mortality in South Africa. Ongoing commitment such as the National Health Insurance and investment in maternal and neonatal health, coupled with targeted interventions and a holistic approach, are crucial for achieving significant and sustained improvements in health outcomes.