Factors associated with maternal mortality at advanced maternal age: a population-based case-control study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Maternal mortality rates among older women (≥35 years) require investigation into specific risk factors.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze factors associated with maternal mortality in women aged 35 years and older.
• To provide evidence for improving maternal healthcare strategies for this demographic.

Main Methods:

• An unmatched, population-based case-control study was conducted in the United Kingdom.
• Data from 105 maternal deaths and 766 controls (aged ≥35) between 2005-2012 were analyzed.
• Logistic regression was used to examine associations between risk factors and maternal mortality.

Main Results:

• Significant risk factors for maternal death in women ≥35 included smoking during pregnancy (aOR 2.06), inadequate antenatal care (aOR 23.62), medical co-morbidities (aOR 5.92), and previous pregnancy problems (aOR 2.06).
• Maternal mortality risk increased by 12% for each year increase in age (aOR 1.12).

Conclusions:

• Maternal mortality in women aged 35 and older is associated with several factors, including smoking and inadequate antenatal care, independent of age.
• The study highlights the need for public health initiatives to reduce smoking rates and address the trend of increasing maternal age.