Distribution of Causes of Maternal Mortality in Alagoas - Brazil

Maternal mortality is the leading cause of death among females aged 15-49 years old therefore is an important problem of Public Health especially in developing countries. It is one of the most appropriate indicators to evaluate coverage and quality of health services, as a sensible indicator of poverty and social inequality. In 2010, estimates developed by the WHO suggested that worldwide, about 260 women died per 100.000 live births. The causes of maternal mortality are usually subgrouped into direct obstetric and indirect causes.

The data for this study was extracted from Quarterly Epidemiological Bulletin published by the Health Department of the State of Alagoas, which was acquired from Information about Mortality System.

In the state of Alagoas, Brazil, there were 15 maternal deaths from January to September of 2011. Maternal age was categorized into five groups of 15-19 years, 20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years and 50-59 years. Maternal deaths were highest in the age groups 15-19 years (26.7%), 20-29 years (26.7%) and 30-39 years (26.7%), followed by 40-49 years (13.3%) and 50-59 years (6.7%). Puerperal infection (26.7%) was the highest cause of maternal mortality. The other top causes were eclampsia (20%), pre-eclampsia (13.3%) and cardiac disease (13.3%). Puerperal infection is highest in the age group of 20-29 years (50%), followed by 15-19 years (25%) and 40-49 years (25%). In contrast, eclampsia is highest in the age group of 30-39 years (50%). Miscellaneous causes were abortion (6.7%), uterine atony (6.7%), placental abruption (6.7%) and metabolic disorder (6.7%).

The study shows evidence of variations in the causes of maternal mortality among different age groups. Direct obstetric causes, that were the main cause of death, can be prevented by a good quality of health service for mothers.