Maternal mortality in the northern health region of the state of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

Maternal mortality is a global challenge that can occur during pregnancy or up to 42 days after delivery, resulting from direct or indirect complications. Despite efforts, reducing this rate remains a challenge, especially in Brazil, which has yet to achieve its established targets. The objective of this research was to analyze the epidemiology of maternal mortality in the Northern Health Region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, from 2019 to 2023. This study adopted a quantitative, descriptive, and retrospective approach, analyzing data from the Northern Health Region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, collected from DATASUS and the Mortality Information System (SIM), excluding accidental or incidental deaths. Inclusion criteria considered maternal deaths during pregnancy and up to 42 days after delivery, taking into account variables such as age, education, race/ethnicity, marital status, direct and indirect obstetric causes, and Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR). The data were analyzed in Excel to summarize the information, calculating the Maternal Mortality Ratio and presenting the results in tables that included both absolute and relative frequencies. The results indicated that maternal deaths were most prevalent among women aged 20 to 29, with low levels of education, and of mixed race, with a focus on indirect obstetric causes and a higher concentration of deaths in municipalities with poorer health infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this situation, reflecting sharp variations in the MMR during the period. These findings underscore the importance of public policies that aim to reduce inequalities and enhance regional obstetric care.