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Regional differences in maternal mortality in Greece, 1973-1982
S de S Llongueras1, M Kogevinas, E Roman
1Epidemiological Monitoring Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK.
International Journal of Epidemiology
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Maternal mortality significantly decreased in Greece from 1973-1982. However, Thrace and the Aegean Islands saw increased maternal deaths, possibly due to cultural and topographical factors affecting healthcare access.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Demography
Background:
- Maternal mortality rates in Greece showed a general decline between 1973 and 1982.
- Significant regional disparities in maternal mortality ratios (SMRs) were observed across Greece during this period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine geographical variations in maternal mortality in Greece from 1973-1982.
- To investigate potential sociodemographic and obstetric service factors contributing to these regional differences.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of maternal mortality data across ten Greek regions from 1973-1982.
- Calculation of age-standardized maternal mortality ratios (SMRs) for each region.
- Correlation of SMRs with sociodemographic and obstetric service indicators.
Main Results:
- Overall maternal mortality in Greece decreased from 27.2 to 12.0 per 100,000 livebirths.
- Thrace (SMR=295) and the Aegean Islands (SMR=197) exhibited significantly elevated SMRs.
- Greater Athens showed a significantly reduced SMR (77), while Thrace and Epirus experienced increased maternal mortality over the study period.
- Regions with higher hospital birth proportions had lower SMRs (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Geographical variations in maternal mortality in Greece are significant.
- Cultural and topographical factors may impede maternity service utilization and availability, particularly in Thrace, the Aegean Islands, and Epirus.
- Increased access to hospital-based maternity services is associated with reduced maternal mortality.