Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Maternal mortality remains a pressing global concern, with various potential adverse implications for women and their families.The relatively higher maternal mortality rate in India underscores the need for focused attention on maternal health.There is a dearth of relevant actionable data from Central India, which is important for formulating focused recommendations.Methodology: This research paper presents a retrospective observational study conducted over 2.5 years in a tertiary care center in urban India.It included all cases of maternal mortality recorded during the period.Data was collected retrospectively, and statistical assessment was performed using frequency calculations.Demographic characteristics, risk factors, causes of maternal deaths (direct and indirect), obstetric history, management approaches, and preventive measures were studied.Results: Risk factors associated with maternal mortality included severe anemia, postpartum hemorrhage, disseminated intravascular coagulation, severe preeclampsia or eclampsia, septicemia, respiratory diseases, and COVID-19 positivity.A significant majority (88.3%) were unregistered, with no visit to the health center.Direct causes were responsible for 45 (37.5%) deaths, majorly responsible being postpartum hemorrhage (76%), preeclampsia/eclampsia (67%), and sepsis (67%).Indirect causes accounted for 75 (62.5%)maternal deaths, including respiratory diseases (20.8%), cardiovascular diseases (9.2%), gastrointestinal diseases (1.3%), CNS diseases (4%), autoimmune diseases (7%), malignancies (4%), and infections (9%).Conclusion: Strategies and interventions toward improved access to antenatal care even in peripheries, strengthening of referral services, early diagnosis and treatment of medical complications, prevention of infectious diseases, community outreach programs for maternal anemia prevention and further strengthening of tertiary care centers are recommended.
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4403778620