Purpose: To examine differences in maternal mortality by race, age and poverty status including preventable vs. not preventable deaths and medical vs. social causes (e.g., substance abuse, violence and other injuries). Methods: Death records for women of reproductive age from 1995-1998 were linked to birth and fetal death records to identify all cases of maternal deaths occurring within one year of pregnancy termination. Hospital medical records related to pregnancy and death and other available information (e.g., birth and death certificates) were obtained and reviewed by a statewide group of obstetrical and other medical experts. Following CDC guidelines, the experts determined if the case was pregnancy-related and if it might have been prevented. Descriptive analyses, the overall maternal mortality ratio (MMR), and group-specific MMRs will be presented. Preliminary Findings: From 1995 to 1998 the overall MMR was 26.9 per 100,000 live births. Of the 88 maternal deaths identified and reviewed, 31% were women of color, 53.4% were poor and 6.8% were age 40 or older. Women who were poor accounted for 75% of women dying from substance abuse, violence and other injury causes. The majority of white, Hispanic and Asian women died from medical causes whereas the majority of black women died from social causes. Conclusions: Analyses of disparities in maternal mortality related to race, age and poverty enhance maternal health surveillance and improvement initiatives.
Learning Objectives: At the completion of this session participants will be able to: 1. Indentify disparities in maternal mortality ratios related to race, age, and poverty. 2. Articulate group differences related to preventable deaths and medical vs. social causes of deaths. 3. Discuss the importance of examining disparities before implementing maternal health improvement activities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.