Trends and causes of maternal mortality in Kazakhstan.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine trends in the rate and causes of maternal mortality in Kazakhstan.


METHODS
Maternal deaths occurring between 1960 and 1996 in the 19 oblast (administrative regions) of Kazakhstan were documented and analyzed.


RESULTS
After an initial phase of decrease in the period 1960-1980, the level of maternal mortality in Kazakhstan has been stable at 70-80 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Maternal deaths due to hypertension and abortion complications have not substantially decreased. Over the last 10 years, illegal abortions have accounted for most Kazakh maternal deaths resulting from abortion complications.


CONCLUSIONS
To reduce the maternal death rate, the Kazakh health authorities and health workers (obstetricians, midwives, health educators) must develop and rapidly implement maternal health and family planning policies.
Kaupova
N
N
Republican Scientific Research Center for Maternal and Child Health, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Nukusheva
S
S
Biktasheva
H
H
Goyaux
N
N
Thonneau
P
P
D000024:Abortion, Illegal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007623:Kazakhstan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008427:Maternal Health Services; D008428:Maternal Mortality / Q000639:trends*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000401:mortality*