Maternal Mortality in Taiwan: A Nationwide Data Linkage Study
Tung-Pi Wu1, Fu-Wen Liang2, Ya-Li Huang3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sin-Lau Christian Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.
Plos One
|August 4, 2015
Summary
Maternal deaths in Taiwan are significantly underreported, with over half missing from official data. Enhanced surveillance and review are crucial for monitoring reproductive-age women's health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and causes of death are critical indicators of reproductive health.
- Taiwan's maternal mortality data requires examination using comprehensive, linked datasets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Taiwan from 2004-2011.
- To identify the causes of maternal death and their distribution by age and year.
- To assess the completeness of official maternal mortality reporting.
Main Methods:
- Linked four population-based datasets: birth registration, birth notification, National Health Insurance inpatient claims, and mortality data.
- Identified maternal deaths between 2004 and 2011.
- Calculated age-adjusted MMR and cause-specific proportions.
Main Results:
- Identified 236 maternal deaths, with only 102 (43%) reported in official data, indicating a 57% underreporting rate.
- The age-adjusted MMR decreased from 18.4 (2004-2005) to 12.5 (2008-2009) but stabilized at 12.6 (2010-2011).
- MMR for women aged 15-29 increased from 5.2 to 7.1 (2008-2011), with younger women having a lower proportion of deaths from direct obstetric causes.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of maternal deaths remain unreported in official statistics.
- Enhanced surveillance methods are essential for accurate monitoring of maternal mortality.
- Comprehensive maternal death reviews are necessary to identify preventability and improve outcomes.
