This study primarily looks at the relative importance of two variables; viz. nutritional status and provision of improved obstetric care on maternal mortality. The study will be conducted through field investigation with a case control approach. The experience from the Western countries clearly revealed that the general mortality and childhood mortality fell considerably with socio-economic improvement and modernisation factor than with the provision of standard health care. However, the relative importance of these two factors contributing to maternal mortality is not clearly understood particularly in the context of developing counties. However, nutritional programmes have been actively promoted to reduce maternal mortality in the developing countries than providing standard care.

The data for the study will be collected through a primary survey. The study will be carried out in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Areas with similar and poor socio-economic background will be selected for the study. The selection of the area will also be based on those with upgraded PHCs having good obstetric facilities and those without any standard obstetric facilities than a usual PHC or a sub-Centre. The maternal deaths occurring in these two areas will be recorded with the help of ANM and other functionaries in the village like Teachers, village head and so on. In-depth interview will be held in those households to understand the major problem encountered prior to the mortality