Maternal mortality in Greece (1980-1996).
OBJECTIVE
To use data from the National Statistical Service of Greece to examine trends in maternal mortality and risk factors for maternal deaths.


METHODS
Maternal mortality in Greece has been studied from years 1980 to 1996 in total, by cause of death, by residency (urban/rural) and by maternal age. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has been defined as the number of deaths per 100,000 live births.


RESULTS
From years 1980 to 1996, there have been 136 maternal deaths (MMR: 7). The number of deaths has significantly decreased during this period and six major causes of death have been identified, resulting in 80% of maternal deaths. A simulation of maternal mortality between urban and rural areas has been achieved during the last decade. Also, maternal mortality rises dramatically with age.


CONCLUSIONS
Although overall rates of maternal mortality in Greece have been significantly decreased over the last years, an improved recording of maternal deaths is necessary for identifying preventable factors and developing effective interventions.
Dimitrakakis
C
C
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, 80 Vassilisis Sophias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece. adroniki@hellasnet.gr
Papadogiannakis
J
J
Sakelaropoulos
G
G
Papazefkos
V
V
Voulgaris
Z
Z
Michalas
S
S
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008423:Maternal Age; D008428:Maternal Mortality / Q000639:trends; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000401:mortality; D012307:Risk Factors