Maternal Mortality in Thailand during 1997-1998

Abstract

Objectives The objectives of this study were estimating MMR in Thailand during 1997-1998,
identifying causes of maternal deaths during 1997-1998 and clarifying definition of maternal
deaths.
Methodology Tool used in this study was developed to collect data from death certificate of
reproductive aged women (age 15-49 years). The training were conducted for health
personnel from all provinces to clarify definition and causes of maternal deaths. The process
and flow of collecting and analyzing data were disseminated and planned for each province.
The verbal autopsy was used to clarify the death of women in reproductive aged who died
outside the health facilities (4).
Results There were 303 maternal deaths in 1997 identify from 26,143 women aged 15-49
years old deaths resulted in MMR of 36.50 per 100,000 live births ( LBs ). Consider by region
MMR was highest in the South follow by the North, the Northeast and lowest in the Central
(65.1, 43.0, 35.0 and 24.3 respectively) and the Proportion Maternal Deaths of Female of
Reproductive Age (PMDF) of 1.16%. There were 313 maternal deaths in 1998 identify from
28,380 women aged 15-49 years old deaths resulted in MMR of 36.43 per 100,000 LBs.
Consider by region MMR was highest in the South follow by the North, the Northeast and
lowest in the Central (53.8, 47.7, 34.0, and 24.6 respectively) and PMDF of 1.10%. The major
direct cause of maternal death in 1997 and 1998 was hemorrhage and the major indirect cause
of maternal death in 1997 and 1998 was HIV/AIDS. The reported MMR from Safe Motherhood
Project was increased from 17.6 per 100,000 LBs in 1998 to 23.96 per 100,000 LBs and 28.02
per 100,000 LBs in 1999 and 2000. The reported MMR from Vital Registration was increased
from 7 per 100,000 LBs in 1998 to 12.3 per 100,000 LBs and 13.2 per 100,000 LBs in 1999 and
2000.
Conclusion This study was done in every provinces in Thailand. The National MMR was not
difference between 1997 and 1998 but there was some difference in each region. The PMDF
between 1995-1998 were slightly decreased. The impact of this study was the maternal deaths
reported to routine statistic system namely death certificates and Safe Motherhood Project
were increased the coverage rate of registration of maternal deaths and uniformed
classification of causes of maternal deaths. This will lead to more accurate information in
routine reporting system.