Maternal mortality in Mississippi: 1987-1991.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the maternal mortality in the state of Mississippi for 1987-1991 and compare the maternal mortality from 1977-1986 with that of the last 5 years.


METHODS
Factors associated with maternal mortality were obtained from death certificates, replies to questionnaires, medical records, and autopsy reports.


RESULTS
The maternal mortality rate in Mississippi for 1987-1991 (14.1/100,000) was not significantly different than for 1977-1986 (11.8/1000,000; P = 0.45). Over the last 5 years there was an increased incidence of direct obstetric deaths (50% vs 73%). During 1987-1991, toxemia as a cause of death for parturients decreased, while hemorrhage as a cause of maternal death increased. There was a rise in the incidence of patient related factors which were avoidable and which led to several deaths during 1987-1991.


CONCLUSIONS
The state's maternal mortality rate remains stable. Improved patient and health care provider's education are necessary to further decrease the incidence of maternal death in Mississippi.
Moore
J L
JL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson.
Chauhan
S P
SP
Wiener
W B
WB
Morrison
J C
JC
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008428:Maternal Mortality / Q000639:trends; D008922:Mississippi / Q000453:epidemiology