Maternal morbidity in developing countries: a review and comments.
The incidence and prevalence of postpartum maternal morbidity in developing countries are poorly understood. Methodologic problems, such as lack of standard definitions, misclassification of illnesses, use of nonrepresentative samples, and inadequate validation for self-reported data, tend to compromise existing studies. Available data suggest that serious acute illnesses are common, affecting as many as 20% of mothers who deliver in hospitals in some areas. Providing good antenatal and family planning services should significantly reduce acute and chronic sequelae after parturition.
Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs, School of Hygiene and Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21202.
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D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008429:Maternal Welfare; D009017:Morbidity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*