Characteristics of maternal mortality in Paraguay (2014-2021)

Abstract

Introduction: maternal mortality (MM) is a critical public health indicator, especially in low-and middle-income countries. In Paraguay, although progress was made in reducing MM between 2008 and 2018, the COVID-19 pandemic reversed many of these gains. This study examines the characteristics of MM in Paraguay between 2014 and 2021. Objectives: to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of maternal mortality in Paraguay during the period 2014-2021. Methodology: a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using data from death certificates of the General Directorate of Strategic Health Information (DIGIES) of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare. We analyzed 740 cases of maternal deaths registered in the 18 Health Regions of the country, considering sociodemographic variables and variables related to causes of death. Results: there were 740 maternal deaths, with an average ratio of 83.91 per 100,000 live births. 2021 had the highest ratio (159.98). The majority occurred in young (58.65 %) and adult women (66.31 %), with predominant causes being diseases of Respiratory System 18.11 %, toxemia 15.81 %, and hemorrhaged 12.03 %. Conclusion: MM presented an increase after the COVID 19 pandemic, so the study highlights the urgent need to strengthen access to quality prenatal and obstetric care, especially in public institutions, and to address the socioeconomic inequalities that affect maternal health.