Frequency and Causes of Death of Pregnant Mothers During the Years 2018-2023 in North Khorasan Province

Authors
Zakie Keshavarzi
Sakine Nazari
Mobina Hossein Fakhrabadi
Nazanin Hesari
North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences
Abstract
Introduction: The maternal mortality rate is an important indicator of human development, reflecting the general health status of women in society; therefore, its reduction is one of the most important goals of sustainable development. The present study was conducted to determine the frequency and causes of maternal mortality in this province during the years 2018 to 2023.

Methods: This descriptive study examined the total maternal mortality causes in North Khorasan from 2018 to 2023. By referring to the health records and hospital records of all deceased mothers, questionnaires on demographic characteristics, pregnancy and childbirth, and cause of death were completed. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by content validity, and its reliability was confirmed by test-retest. Data analysis was performed with SPSS 23 software using descriptive statistics.

Results: From 2018 to 2023, 30 maternal deaths were recorded in this province, with the highest rate occurring in 2019, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, when the maternal mortality rate reached 64 per 100,000 births, then it continued to decline until 2023. The highest number of deaths was due to non-obstetric causes (COVID-19). Excluding COVID-19, the most common cause of maternal death in the province was hypertension during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, followed by obstetric hemorrhage.

Conclusion: Given the high rate of maternal deaths due to hypertension during pregnancy in North Khorasan Province, improved management of the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders during pregnancy can have a significant impact on reducing maternal mortality.
Keywords
Hypertension Disorder
mortality
Pregnant Mothers
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