Maternal mortality ratio [MMR] in Baghdad Health Directorate-Risafa [BHD-R] hospitals: 2002-2004

ABSTRACT

The aim of this paper is to report the MMR in Risafa district hospitals during 3-year period. Data were collected from questionnaires completed and sent voluntarily to the Maternal and child [MCH] department by the attending obstetricians. Data were analyzed regarding the possible cause of death, type and place of delivery, age group and state of antenatal care attendance. 31 maternal deaths in hospitals were reported among 107605 hospital live births during the study period. MMR was estimated to be 28.8/ 100 000 live births. The leading direct cause of death was hemorrhage accounting for 65%, thromboembolism accounting for 13%, hypertensive disorders and early pregnancy complications. The low MMR in this study is probably due to under-reporting and lower attendance rates. Priorities should be set towards a more accurate documentation and reporting of deaths in hospitals. Policies to reduce avoidable causes of death in terms of system support, training; and the adoption of international guidelines while formulating national guidelines