[Risk factors for maternal mortality in an urban area of Northeast Brazil].
A case-control study was conducted to investigate risk factors for maternal mortality in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil, in 2001-2005. Cases were 75 maternal obstetric deaths in Recife, identified from the Mortality Information System, investigated and analyzed by an expert committee on maternal mortality. Controls, selected from the Information System on Live Births using systematic sampling, were 300 women living in Recife whose last pregnancy occurred during the same period and ended in live births. Increased risk of maternal death was associated with use of the public health system (OR = 4.47; 95%CI: 1.87-10.29), age > 35 years (OR = 3.06; 95%CI: 1.59-5.92), < 4 years of schooling (OR = 4.95; 95%CI: 2.43-10.08), cesarean section (OR = 3.06; 95%CI: 1.77-5.29), and lack of prenatal care or fewer than four prenatal visits (OR = 9.78; 95%CI: 5.52-17.34). The results confirm social inequalities in maternal mortality in Recife and indicate the need to improve healthcare for women during the prenatal period, delivery, and postpartum.
Universidade de Pernambuco, Recife, Brasil. regialeite@yahoo.com.br
Régia Maria Batista
RM
Leite
Thália Velho Barreto de
TV
Araújo
Rivaldo Mendes de
RM
Albuquerque
Antônio Ricardo Santos de
AR
Andrade
Paulo José
PJ
Duarte Neto
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002423:Cause of Death; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D009313:National Health Programs; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000401:mortality*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors