Epidemiology of Maternal Mortality in Thailand

Abstract

A cross-sectional retrospective study of maternal mortality in Thailand was carried out for a period of 1 year, from 1 October 1989 to 30 September 1990 to evaluate the distribution, causes and characteristics of maternal deaths. Data were collected from hospitals, clinics, health centres of both gov ernment and private sectors. Maternal mortality rate was 27 per 100,000 live births, and highest in the Southern region. Age specific maternal mortality rate was highest in the aged group 35-39 years old. Most maternal deaths occurred in hospitals, doctors and nurses were involved because most of the severe cases were referred to hospitals. Low socio-economic status and education, lack of antenatal care, third trimester period and normal delivery were, factors commonly found among maternal deaths. Causes of deaths were haemorrhage, infection, preeclampsia and eclampsia and most of these were preventable. (Thai J Obstet Gynaecol 1994; 6: 79-90.)