Analysis of the Maternal Mortality in Iran, 2007-2012

Background & Aims: Maternal mortality is a tragedy which threatens human life. It is an indicator of womenʼs health and development of society as well. Therefore, prevention of maternal deaths is one of the main goals in many countries, including Iran. The aim of this study was to review and analyze the recorded data on maternal mortality in the country, in order to improve the management of maternal mortality. Methods: In this ecological study, the data related to the maternal mortality during the years 2007-2010 were obtained from the Health unit at the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Data were analyzed according to the number of births during the studied period and the country indices using univariate and multivariate analysis methodologies. Results: The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in the studied years was calculated by 22.3 per 100,000 of live births which showed the average reduction of 0.41 in every 100,000 births annually in the whole country. The highest value was reported in Sistan and Baluchistan province (48.6) and the lowest in Cheharmehal and Bakhtyari province (9.6). In Iran, the maternal mortality was relatively high in the age groups under the 15 (50.2 in every 100,000 child births) and over the 35 years (61.3 in every 100000 child births). The analysis related to the different provinces indicated that there was a significant reverse relationship between the maternal mortality ratio and variables of net attendance of girls in secondary schools, men and women literacy, access to improved water and sanitation, as well as antenatal and delivery care. Likewise, there was a significant positive relationship between the maternal mortality ratio and births in the house assisted by unskilled health personnel. Conclusion: This study showed the association between the health and social variables with maternal mortality ratio in Iran at an ecologic level. In order to reduce maternal mortality, more efforts seem to be essential to develop the various provinces, particularly poor areas.