Adolescent maternal mortality in Mozambique

J Adolesc Health. 2001 Apr;28(4):303-6. doi: 10.1016/s1054-139x(00)00205-6.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe adolescent maternal mortality and analyze its avoidability.

Methods: An audit approach was used to clarify the presence of avoidable factors in 239 maternal deaths, of which 22% were among adolescents.

Results: The main causes of adolescent death were malaria, pregnancy-induced hypertension, puerperal sepsis, and septic abortion. The audit classified as avoidable 75% of all maternal deaths.

Conclusion: Adequate strategies addressing the special needs of adolescents are required to prevent currently high levels of maternal mortality in this age group.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cause of Death
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Child
  • Developing Countries / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / mortality
  • Malaria / mortality
  • Maternal Age*
  • Maternal Mortality*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mozambique / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / mortality*
  • Retrospective Studies