A systematic review of epidemiological, causal status and policy-making issues of maternal mortality in Iran

Abstract

Background: Maternal mortality rate is not only an indicator of the quality level of maternal care but also represents the socio-economic status of any country. Maternal mortality had a decreasing trend in Iran during the last 24 years. Since preventable maternal mortality rate should be decreased to zero by 2030, effective planning and management in this regard are more needed. Aim: This study aims to review the maternal mortality status in Iran systematically. Method: This systematic review was designed and conducted in 2016. The information was gathered from searching databases including PubMed, Cochrane, Elsevier, Scopus, and also national databases including SID, Medlib, MagIran, IranMedex, and IranDoc. The selected time interval for searching was the studies published between 1985 and 2016. Meta-analysis statistical methods were used to calculate the maternal mortality rate. Result: There were 26 studies related to the study objectives were included and analyzed. The mean and standard deviation of the age of maternal mortality was estimated to be 30.8±5.6 years. Of the 15 studies mentioning types of termination of pregnancy, they showed the maternal mortality rates of 44% in natural childbirth, 52% in cesarean section, and 4% during pregnancy. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of leading and guiding studies and knowledge management to complete the knowledge cycle for maternal mortality. Considering the disparities in regions, the interventions should take into account the socioeconomic factors as well as improving roads and transportation system and women literacy level.