Predictive Factors for Severe Maternal Morbidity in Brazil: A Case-Control Study.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Socioeconomic Determinants of Health

Background:

• Maternal mortality and near-miss events in Brazil reflect disparities in socioeconomic indicators and healthcare quality.
• Identifying risk factors for severe maternal morbidity is crucial for improving maternal health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between various pregnancy-related variables and the occurrence of maternal near-miss events.
• To identify risk factors contributing to severe maternal morbidity in women attended in Brazilian public maternity wards.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted.
• Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and multiple analysis to estimate odds ratios (OR) for identified risk factors.

Main Results:

• Significant risk factors for severe maternal morbidity included being non-white (OR 2.973), low family income (OR 2.159), lack of a partner (OR 2.694), obesity (OR 20.852), no prenatal care (OR 2.843), fewer than six prenatal appointments (OR 3.498), inter-hospital transfer (OR 24.655), and absence of labor upon admission (OR 25.205).
• Precarious socioeconomic indicators and inadequate obstetric care were identified as significant risk factors.

Conclusions:

• The incidence of severe maternal morbidity remains high in Brazil, underscoring the need for universal access to complex interventions and primary care.
• Addressing socioeconomic disparities and improving the quality of obstetric care are essential for reducing severe maternal morbidity.