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Maternal mortality--a ten-year study
Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|June 16, 2004
Summary
Maternal mortality rates declined significantly over a decade, with most deaths among unbooked patients due to severe anemia and occurring postpartum. Improved antenatal care and timely interventions are crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Maternal mortality remains a critical global health issue.
- Understanding trends and causes of maternal deaths is essential for targeted interventions.
- Kasturba Hospital data provides a decade-long perspective on obstetric outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze maternal mortality trends and causes at Kasturba Hospital from 1989 to 1998.
- To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with maternal deaths.
- To inform strategies for reducing maternal mortality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of maternal deaths over a 10-year period.
- Data collection included delivery numbers, maternal death counts, and cause of death analysis.
- Calculation of maternal mortality rates and analysis of contributing factors.
Main Results:
- A total of 419 maternal deaths occurred among 112,133 deliveries, with an average maternal mortality rate of 360 per 100,000 live births.
- Maternal mortality rate showed a consistent decline from 468 to 190 over the decade.
- Indirect causes (62.5%) and severe anemia (31%) were leading causes of death, with 95% of deaths occurring in unbooked gravidas and 65.6% in the postnatal period.
Conclusions:
- Significant reduction in maternal mortality observed over the decade.
- Severe anemia and indirect causes are major contributors to maternal deaths.
- Enhanced community participation, antenatal care, iron-folate prophylaxis, and timely medical interventions are vital for prevention.