Work

Maternal Mortality Underreporting in Brazil Due to Coding Errors (2010–2021)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Accurate maternal death tracking is a global priority to guide resource allocation for reduction of preventable maternal mortality. This retrospective observational study evaluated the accuracy of the Brazilian maternal death coding system and compared the official maternal mortality ratio (MMR) with a recalculated MMR including any reclassified maternal deaths. Mortality data from 2010 to 2021 were analyzed, including officially reported maternal deaths and deaths of women aged 10-49 years with pregnancy-puerperal status indicated on their death certificate but not coded as maternal. Brazil recorded 21,670 official and 3,480 uncoded maternal deaths during the study period. Inclusion of reclassified maternal deaths increased the median MMR from 58.2 to 67.5 per 100,000 live births. Uncoded maternal deaths compared with coded deaths were more likely among those with lower education, at younger and older maternal ages, with indirect causes of death, and with fewer death investigations. Improved maternal death coding is essential to reduce maternal mortality underreporting.

Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology

DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000006274

Authors: Ana Maria Pearce de Arêa Leão Pinheiro, Rafael Sant'Ana Herzog, Regina Amélia Lopes Pessoa de Aguiar, Agatha Sacramento Rodrigues, Rossana Pulcineli Vieira Francisco

Institutions: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Universidade de São Paulo, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo

Language: English

Topic: Global Maternal and Child Health

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico