title: [Under-registry of maternal death in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico (1997-2001)].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the subregistry of maternal deaths in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.
  
  
  METHODS
  The subregistry was studied using descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective approaches. Acts and death certificates of women aged 9 to 50 years that passed away in five years (1997-2001) were reviewed. Additionally, an interview with their relatives was conducted plus a revision of clinical files and reports of autopsies. The maternal deaths were classified according to the criteria of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (tenth revision). Maternal deaths found during the period of study were compared with those reported by the official organism in order to detect their subregistry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  21 cases of maternal deaths were found during the study period, from them 16 were notified officially. The subregistry of maternal deaths was 24% in the five analyzed years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Maternal mortality continues to be a public health problem in urban areas, like the city of Merida. It is necessary to design strategies to avoid the subregistry and allow the reduction of maternal deaths.
authors.affiliation: Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México. rangulo@tunku.uady.mx
authors.forename: Elsa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rodríguez Angulo
authors.forename: Guadalupe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Andueza Pech
authors.forename: Landy
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Montero Cervantes
authors.forename: Jolly
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hoil Santos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008428:Maternal Mortality / Q000639:trends*; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D012042:Registries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies