Maternal mortality in China, 1996-2005.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the trend in maternal mortality ratio (MMR), characteristics and causes of maternal deaths, and factors influencing the MMR in China between 1996 and 2005.


METHODS
Data used in this study are based on the nationwide maternal mortality surveillance system. Trend in MMR and cause-specific mortality were analyzed using the Cochran-Armitage trend test.


RESULTS
From 1996 to 2005, MMR was higher in rural areas than in urban areas; and highest in remote areas followed by inner lands and coastal regions. The overall MMR in China decreased from 64.1 per 100000 live births in 1996 to 47.6 per 100000 live births in 2005. MMR in rural areas, remote areas, and coastal regions showed a decreasing trend. The leading causes of maternal death were obstetric hemorrhage, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and amniotic fluid embolism. The mortality ratio of obstetric hemorrhage in rural areas and remote areas reduced significantly (P<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The MMR in China displayed regional differences. Declines in rural areas and remote areas resulted from well-targeted programs by the Chinese government. Future interventions are recommended to target causes of maternal death.
Liang
Juan
J
National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Zhu
Jun
J
Dai
Li
L
Li
Xiaohong
X
Li
Mingrong
M
Wang
Yanping
Y
D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008428:Maternal Mortality / Q000639:trends*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011247:Pregnancy; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data