Occupation and maternal mortality in Brazil

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Maternal mortality remains a significant public health concern globally.
• Understanding disparities in maternal mortality is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Occupation is a potential social determinant of health influencing maternal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) across different occupational groups in Brazil.
• To identify specific occupations with elevated maternal mortality risks.

Main Methods:

• A mortality study utilizing national data from the Mortality Information System (SIM) and Live Birth Information System (SINASC) for 2015.
• Maternal mortality ratios were calculated based on occupation data from death certificates, classified using the Brazilian Classification of Occupation (CBO) 2002.
• Analysis of 1,738 maternal death records.

Main Results:

• The overall maternal mortality ratio in Brazil was 57.6 per 100,000 live births.
• Significantly higher MMRs were observed among service and agricultural workers, notably domestic workers (123.2/100,000) and general agricultural workers (88.3/100,000).
• Manicurists and nursing technicians also showed elevated MMRs; however, occupation data were missing or inconsistent in a substantial proportion of records, with 'Housewife' being the most frequent category.

Conclusions:

• Maternal mortality ratios vary significantly by occupation in Brazil, indicating a potential contribution of work-related factors.
• Further research is essential to investigate occupational risk factors, socioeconomic determinants, workplace exposures, and healthcare access in relation to maternal mortality.
• Addressing the interplay of socioeconomic status, occupational exposures, and healthcare access is critical for reducing maternal mortality disparities.