Persistent inequities in maternal mortality in Latin America and the Caribbean, 1990-2019.

BACKGROUND: Despite the resources and personnel mobilized in Latin America and the Caribbean to reduce the maternal mortality ratio (MMR, maternal deaths per 100 000 live births) in women aged 10-54 years by 75% between 2000 and 2015, the region failed to meet the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) due to persistent barriers to access quality reproductive, maternal, and neonatal health services. METHODS: Using 1990-2019 data from the Global Burden of Disease project, we carried out a two-stepwise analysis to (a) identify the differences in the MMR temporal patterns and (b) assess its relationship with selected indicators: government health expenditure (GHE), the GHE as percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), the availability of human resources for health (HRH), the coverage of effective interventions to reduce maternal mortality, and the level of economic development of each country. FINDINGS: In the descriptive analysis, we observed a heterogeneous overall reduction of MMR in the region between 1990 and 2019 and heterogeneous overall increases in the GHE, GHE/GDP, and HRH availability. The correlation analysis showed a close, negative, and dependent association of the economic development level between the MMR and GHE per capita, the percentage of GHE to GDP, the availability of HRH, and the coverage of SBA. We observed the lowest MMRs when GHE as a percentage of GDP was close to 3% or about US$400 GHE per capita, HRH availability of 6 doctors, nurses, and midwives per 1,000 inhabitants, and skilled birth attendance levels above 90%. CONCLUSIONS: Within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda, health policies aimed at the effective reduction of maternal mortality should consider allocating more resources as a necessary but not sufficient condition to achieve the goals and should prioritize the implementation of new forms of care with a gender and rights approach, as well as strengthening actions focused on vulnerable groups.

Factors associated with the occurrence of maternal deaths in the West Region between 2020 - 2022: case control study.

WHO defines maternal mortality as any death of a woman occurring during pregnancy or within 42 days of its termination or after delivery. Our aim was to study the factors associated with the occurrence of maternal deaths in the West Region of Cameroon between 2020 and 2022. This was a case-control study. Cases consisted of maternal deaths that occurred during the study period. The controls for their part were made up of women who normally gave birth in the same health facilities from which the cases came and during the same period as the cases. The only exposure criterion being the status of death. The data useful for our investigation were collected respectively with the investigation sheets, audit reports and via interviews with the heads of the health facilities where the maternal deaths occurred with a view to considerably reducing information bias. Analysis were done with IBM-SPSS 25 and RStudio 2023.03.0. The West Region of Cameroon recorded 161 maternal deaths between 2020 and 2022. 67% of them were housewives. The most frequently identified causes were haemorrhage (ante-, per- and post-partum), followed far behind by complications and sepsis, with respective 42.2%, 12.4% and 10.6%. Slightly more than one child out of 10 had an abnormal presentation. Nearly 50% had a short labor (less than 10 hours), the partograph was used in 38% of the women, and the GATP practiced in 50.1% of them. Abnormal presentation of the fetus (aOR = 2.7 (95% CI: 1.4 - 5.1), p=0.002), failure to use the partograph (aOR = 4.4 (95% CI: 2 .6 - 7.4), p<0.001), the fact of not having an economic activity (aOR = 1.7 (95% CI: 1.0 - 2.7), p = 0.033), the fact of having taken less than 2 doses of VAT ( aOR = 2.8 (95% CI: 1.8 - 4.4), p<0.001) and the absence of practice of GATP (aOR = 1.6 (CI 95%: 1.0 - 2.6), p=0.040) were identified as factors that significantly favored the occurrence of maternal deaths. Several factors negatively influence the occurrence of maternal deaths in the West Region. Operational strategies such as continuous training of maternity ward staff, and the establishment of systematic maternal death audits and review meetings should be implemented to reduce and control these risk factors.

Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health: Evolution of a program to address maternal morbidity and mortality.

The Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health program is a national investment in promoting safe care for every birth in the United States and lowering rates of preventable maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity. Through its work with state and jurisdiction-based teams on patient safety bundle implementation, the program supports data-driven quality improvement. This paper details key aspects of the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health including patient safety bundles, technical assistance, implementation resource development, data support, and partnerships while providing an overview of the program's evolution, reach, impact, and future opportunities.

Association between maternal health service utilization and under-five mortality rate in China and its provinces, 1990-2017.

BACKGROUND: The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal - 3.2 aims to eliminate all preventable under-five mortality rate (U5MR). In China, government have made efforts to provide maternal health services and reduce U5MR. Hence, we aimed to explore maternal health service utilization in relation to U5MR in China and its provinces in 1990-2017. METHODS: We obtained data from Global Burden of Disease 2017, China Health Statistics Yearbook, China Statistical Yearbook, and Human Development Report China Special Edition. The trend of U5MR in each province of China from 1990 to 2017 was analyzed using Joinpoint Regression model. We measured the inequities in maternal health services using HEAT Plus, a health inequity measurement tool developed by the UN. The generalized estimating equation model was used to explore the association between maternal health service utilization (including prenatal screening, hospital delivery and postpartum visits) and U5MR. RESULTS: First, in China, the U5MR per 1000 live births decreased from 50 in 1990 to 12 in 2017 and the average annual percentage change (AAPC) was - 5.2 (p < 0.05). Secondly, China had a high maternal health service utilization in 2017, with 96.5% for prenatal visits, 99.9% for hospital delivery, and 94% for postnatal visits. Inequity in maternal health services between provinces is declining, with hospital delivery rate showing the greatest decrease (SII, 14.01 to 1.87, 2010 to 2017). Third, an increase in the rate of hospital delivery rate can significantly reduce U5MR (OR 0.991, 95%CI 0.987 to 0.995). Postpartum visits rate with a one-year lag can reduce U5MR (OR 0.993, 95%CI 0.987 to 0.999). However, prenatal screening rate did not have a significant effect on U5MR. CONCLUSION: The decline in U5MR in China was associated with hospital delivery and postpartum visits. The design and implementation of maternal health services may provide references to other low-income and middle-income countries.

Global health systems strengthening: FIGO's strategic view on reducing maternal and newborn mortality worldwide.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that successful health systems strengthening (HSS) projects have addressed disparities and inequities in maternal and perinatal care in low-income countries. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review covered the period between 1980 and 2022, focusing on successful HSS interventions within health systems' seven core components that improved maternal and perinatal care. RESULTS: The findings highlight the importance of integrating quality interventions into robust health systems, as this has been shown to reduce maternal and newborn mortality. However, several challenges, including service delivery gaps, poor data use, and funding deficits, continue to hinder the delivery of quality care. To improve maternal and newborn health outcomes, a comprehensive HSS strategy is essential, which should include infrastructure enhancement, workforce skill development, access to essential medicines, and active community engagement. CONCLUSION: Effective health systems, leadership, and community engagement are crucial for a comprehensive HSS approach to catalyze progress toward universal health coverage and global improvements in maternal and newborn health.

Cardiovascular disease and maternal mortality: perceptions in a Midwest birthing population.

BACKGROUND: Missouri has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the United States. To date, there are currently no studies describing birthing peoples' knowledge or perceptions of contributing causes of maternal mortality. An improved understanding of population-specific knowledge can help to define how best to design targeted interventions to reduce disease-specific causes of maternal mortality. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the knowledge and understanding of maternal mortality in a Missouri birthing population. STUDY DESIGN: A 46-question, cross-sectional survey to assess the familiarity with local maternal mortality rates, groups affected, and causality was developed by the Missouri Perinatal Quality Collaborative and the Maternal-Child Learning and Action Network and emailed to a random sample of birthing people across Missouri. Those who identified as someone with birthing potential with a Missouri zip code and who were ≥18 years of age were eligible for inclusion. Unadjusted descriptive statistics were generated and stratified by age, race, and region. RESULTS: Among 2196 surveys sent, 1738 people completed the survey. Of those who responded, 78.2% were aware of the risk of pregnancy-related death with 14.7% reporting that they intimately knew someone who died. When asked if a certain group is affected disproportionately more, 66.4% responded affirmatively. Black (58.7%), uninsured (61.8%), poor (71.0%), those with substance abuse disorders (57.4%), and Native American (28.8%) birthing people were identified as groups that were perceived as suffering higher rates of maternal death. When polled on etiology, severe bleeding (56.9%) was believed to be the leading cause of death, and the second stage of labor was thought to be the period of highest risk (42.3%). Beliefs about the timing of death differed by age (P=.042) but not race (P=.81) or region (P=.191). CONCLUSION: Missouri birthing people are cognizant of the social factors associated with increased maternal mortality but are unaware of the leading causes of death, namely cardiovascular disease and mental health conditions. Future Perinatal Quality Collaborative work should focus on campaigns that raise public awareness about cardiovascular disease and mental health-related birthing risks and the importance of monitoring early warning signs after delivery.

Prioritizing Maternal Mental Health in Addressing Morbidity and Mortality.

Importance: The rate of maternal mortality in the United States is 2-fold to 3-fold greater than that in other high-income countries. While many national initiatives have been developed to combat maternal mortality, these efforts often fail to include mental illness. Objective: To highlight the underrecognized contribution of mental illness to maternal mortality, which is nearly double that of postpartum hemorrhage. Evidence Review: A topic outline was developed to include challenges in measuring perinatal mental conditions and mortality rates; contributions of social determinants of health to mental conditions and mortality; perinatal psychiatric disorder characterization; mechanisms by which maternal mental illness increases mortality, specifically, suicide and addictive disorders; access limitations and care "deserts"; prenatal stress and its impact on reproductive outcomes; increasing clinician expertise through cross-disciplinary education; intervention sites and models; and asserting that mental health is fundamental to maternal health. Publications in the last 3 years were prioritized, particularly those relating to policy. References were selected through consensus. Sources were PubMed, Ovid, direct data published on government websites, and health policy sources such as the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. Findings: Priority was given to recent sources. Citations from 2022-2023 numbered 26; within the last 5 years, 14; and historical references, 15. Recommendations to address each topic area serve as concluding statements for each section. To mitigate the contributions of mental illness to the maternal mortality risk, a coordinated effort is required across professional and governmental organizations. Conclusions and Relevance: Concrete programmatic and policy changes are needed to reduce perinatal stress and address trauma, standardize the collection of social determinant of health data among perinatal patients, increase access to reproductive psychiatry curricula among prescribers, reduce perinatal mental health and obstetrical deserts, institute paid parental leave, and support seamless integration of perinatal and behavioral health care. Moreover, instead of focusing on a relatively minor portion of the contributors to health that current medical practice targets, fortifying the social foundation strengthens the prospects for the health of families for our current and future generations.

Analysis of maternal mortality in Berlin, Germany - discrepancy between reported maternal mortality and comprehensive death certificate exploration.

OBJECTIVES: The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) estimates an average maternal mortality rate (MMR) of around 3.4 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births for 2019-2021, based on relevant diagnoses on death certificates. However, Germany does not currently have a registry for recording the number of maternal deaths. The aim of this study is to identify the actual number of maternal deaths in Berlin between 2019 and 2022, as well as sources of underreporting and causes of death. METHODS: Potential maternal mortality cases were identified through a search at the Berlin Central Archive for Death Certificates, inquiring women aged 15-50 years with indications of present or recent pregnancy on the death certificate. To cross match the database, an additional search at the Charité University Hospital Berlin was carried out, checking each individual file for pregnancy-association. RESULTS: The data search resulted in 2,316 women, 18 of which presented an association to pregnancy. Of these, 12 could be classified as maternal mortality cases (MMR 7.8/100,000). The additional search in a university setting revealed two further maternal mortality cases without prior indication of pregnancy on the death certificate. This results in a total MMR of 9.1/100,000 live births, which is over double the official estimate by the OECD. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings in Berlin, it can be estimated that there is significant underreporting regarding maternal death cases in Germany. A more comprehensive recording system is needed to more accurately portray maternal mortality.

Deaths: Final Data for 2020.

Objective-This report presents final 2020 data on U.S. deaths, death rates, life expectancy, infant and maternal mortality, and trends by selected characteristics such as age, sex, Hispanic origin and race, state of residence, and cause of death. Methods-Information reported on death certificates is presented in descriptive tabulations. The original records are filed in state registration offices. Statistical information is compiled in a national database through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program of the National Center for Health Statistics. Causes of death are processed according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. Beginning in 2018, all states and the District of Columbia were using the 2003 revised certificate of death for the entire year, which includes the 1997 Office of Management and Budget revised standards for race. Data based on these revised standards are not completely comparable to previous years. Results-In 2020, a total of 3,383,729 deaths were reported in the United States. The age-adjusted death rate was 835.4 deaths per 100,000 U.S. standard population, an increase of 16.8% from the 2019 rate. Life expectancy at birth was 77.0 years, a decrease of 1.8 years from 2019. Age-specific death rates increased from 2019 to 2020 for age groups 15 years and over and decreased for age group under 1 year. Many of the 15 leading causes of death in 2020 changed from 2019. COVID-19, a new cause of death in 2020, became the third leading cause in 2020. The infant mortality rate decreased 2.9% to a historic low of 5.42 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2020. Conclusions-In 2020, the age-adjusted death rate increased and life expectancy at birth decreased for the total, male, and female populations, primarily due to the influence of deaths from COVID-19.

Pregnancy-Related Deaths by Hispanic Origin, United States, 2009-2018.

Objective: To describe pregnancy-related mortality among Hispanic people by place of origin (country or region of Hispanic ancestry), 2009-2018. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study of pregnancy-related deaths among Hispanic people, stratified by place of origin (Central or South America, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Other and Unknown Hispanic), using Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System data, 2009-2018. We describe distributions of pregnancy-related deaths and pregnancy-related mortality ratios (number of pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 live births) overall and by place of origin for select demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: For 2009-2018, the overall pregnancy-related mortality ratio among Hispanic people was 11.5 pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 live births (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 10.8-12.2). In general, pregnancy-related mortality ratios were higher among older age groups (i.e., 35 years and older) and lower among those with higher educational attainment (i.e., college degree or higher). Approximately two in five pregnancy-related deaths among Hispanic people occurred on the day of delivery through 6 days postpartum. Place of origin-specific pregnancy-related mortality ratios ranged from 9.6 (95% CI: 5.8-15.0) among people of Cuban origin to 15.3 (95% CI: 12.4-18.3) among people of Puerto Rican origin. Hemorrhage and infection were the most frequent causes of pregnancy-related deaths overall among Hispanic people. People of Puerto Rican origin had a higher proportion of deaths because of cardiomyopathy. Conclusions: We identified differences in pregnancy-related mortality by place of origin among Hispanic people that can help inform prevention of pregnancy-related deaths.

Mortalidade materna em Goiás durante a pandemia da COVID-19 / Maternal mortality in Goiás during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021

A mortalidade materna tem sido um problema de saúde pública significativo e persistente no Brasil e a situação foi exarcebada pela pandemia COVID-19. Morte materna é aquela que ocorre durante a gestação ou dentro de um período de 42 dias após o seu término. O indicador utlizado para mensurar a mortalidade materna é a Razão de Mortalidade Materna (RMM). Os dados foram coletados pelos investigadores dos municípios de residência das gestantes, puérperas ou mulheres em idade fértil, conforme critérios do Guia de Vigilância Epidemiológica do Óbito Materno do Ministério da Saúde, que norteia as investigações desses óbitos, utilizando os instrumentos de coleta padronizados

Maternal mortality has been a significant and persistent public health problem in Brazil and the situation has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Maternal death is one that occurs during pregnancy or within a period of 42 days after its end. The indicator used to measure maternal mortality is the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR). The data were collected by researchers from the municipalities where pregnant women, postpartum women or women of childbearing age reside, in accordance with the criteria of the Maternal Death Epidemiological Surveillance Guide of the Ministry of Health, which guides the investigations of these deaths, using standardized and forwarded collection instruments.

US Maternal Mortality Is Unacceptably High, Unequal, and Getting Worse-What Can Be Done About It?

This Medical News article is an interview by JAMA Editor in Chief Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, MAS, about maternal deaths and disparities in the US.

Trends in State-Level Maternal Mortality by Racial and Ethnic Group in the United States.

Importance: Evidence suggests that maternal mortality has been increasing in the US. Comprehensive estimates do not exist. Long-term trends in maternal mortality ratios (MMRs) for all states by racial and ethnic groups were estimated. Objective: To quantify trends in MMRs (maternal deaths per 100 000 live births) by state for 5 mutually exclusive racial and ethnic groups using a bayesian extension of the generalized linear model network. Design, Setting, and Participants: Observational study using vital registration and census data from 1999 to 2019 in the US. Pregnant or recently pregnant individuals aged 10 to 54 years were included. Main Outcomes and Measures: MMRs. Results: In 2019, MMRs in most states were higher among American Indian and Alaska Native and Black populations than among Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander; Hispanic; and White populations. Between 1999 and 2019, observed median state MMRs increased from 14.0 (IQR, 5.7-23.9) to 49.2 (IQR, 14.4-88.0) among the American Indian and Alaska Native population, 26.7 (IQR, 18.3-32.9) to 55.4 (IQR, 31.6-74.5) among the Black population, 9.6 (IQR, 5.7-12.6) to 20.9 (IQR, 12.1-32.8) among the Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander population, 9.6 (IQR, 6.9-11.6) to 19.1 (IQR, 11.6-24.9) among the Hispanic population, and 9.4 (IQR, 7.4-11.4) to 26.3 (IQR, 20.3-33.3) among the White population. In each year between 1999 and 2019, the Black population had the highest median state MMR. The American Indian and Alaska Native population had the largest increases in median state MMRs between 1999 and 2019. Since 1999, the median of state MMRs has increased for all racial and ethnic groups in the US and the American Indian and Alaska Native; Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander; and Black populations each observed their highest median state MMRs in 2019. Conclusion and Relevance: While maternal mortality remains unacceptably high among all racial and ethnic groups in the US, American Indian and Alaska Native and Black individuals are at increased risk, particularly in several states where these inequities had not been previously highlighted. Median state MMRs for the American Indian and Alaska Native and Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander populations continue to increase, even after the adoption of a pregnancy checkbox on death certificates. Median state MMR for the Black population remains the highest in the US. Comprehensive mortality surveillance for all states via vital registration identifies states and racial and ethnic groups with the greatest potential to improve maternal mortality. Maternal mortality persists as a source of worsening disparities in many US states and prevention efforts during this study period appear to have had a limited impact in addressing this health crisis.

Addressing Maternal Mortality in the US-A Pediatrics Responsibility.

This Viewpoint suggests that pediatricians' contact with the maternal-infant dyad postpartum presents an opportunity to address the US maternal mortality crisis and its inequities.

Tendencias en la mortalidad materna en el departamento de Córdoba – Colombia, 2008 – 2020 / Trends in maternal mortality in the department of Córdoba – Colombia, 2008 - 2020

Introducción: La mortalidad materna es reconocida globalmente como un problema de salud pública, situación que ha sido abordada por la Organización de Naciones Unidas (ONU) incluyendo su reducción dentro del tercer Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible. Así mismo, la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) se han ocupado de instaurar programas encaminados a promover y mejorar la salud materna. Objetivo: Analizar la evolución de la mortalidad materna en el departamento de Córdoba – Colombia en el periodo 2008 a 2020 e identificar los cambios en la tendencia. Método: Ecológico con información retrospectiva. Se calculó la razón de mortalidad materna para el departamento de Córdoba y para Colombia para el periodo 2008 - 2020. Mediante la regresión joinpoint se estimó el Porcentaje de Cambio Anual (PCA) de la razón y se identificaron puntos de inflexión. Resultados: Los resultados del estudio evidencian para el departamento de Córdoba dos periodos con tendencia creciente: el primero entre el 2008 y 2010 con un PCA de 8,3 (IC95%: -71,3 – 462,6) y el segundo 2018 y 2020 con un PCA de 20,8 (IC95% -63,3 – 297,3). Sin embargo, el valor de p en ambos periodos de tiempo no resulta estadísticamente significativo. Conclusiones: La RMM en el departamento de Córdoba presenta un comportamiento fluctuante con grandes aumentos y repentinos descensos que sugieren deficiencias en el registro de la información y en la notificación del evento. (AU)

Introduction: Maternal mortality is recognized worldwide as a public health issue, a situation that has been addressed by the United Nations (UN) including its reduction within the third objective of sustainable development. Likewise, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have been in charge of establishing programs focusing on promoting and improving maternal health. Objective: Analyze the evolution of maternal mortality in the department of Córdoba - Colombia in the period 2008 to 2020 and identify changes in the trend. Method: Ecological with retrospective information. The maternal mortality ratio was calculated for the department of Córdoba and for Colombia for the period 2008 - 2020. Using joinpoint regression, the Annual Percentage Change (APC) of the ratio was estimated and inflection points were identified. Results: The results of the study show two periods with an increasing trend for the department of Córdoba: the first between 2008 and 2010 with a PCA of 8.3 (95% CI: -71.3 – 462.6) and the second between 2018 and 2020 with a APC of 20.8 (CI95% -63.3 – 297.3). However, the p value in both time periods is not statistically significant. Conclusions: The MMR in the department of Córdoba presents a fluctuating behavior with large increases and sudden decreases that suggest deficiencies in the recording of information and in the notification of the event. (AU)

Mortalidade materna na adolescência e juventude: tendência temporal e correlação com cobertura pré-natal na Bahia, 2000-2020 / Maternal mortality in adolescents and young adults: temporal trend and correlation with prenatal care coverage in the state of Bahia, Brazil, 2000-2020 / Mortalidade materna na adolescência e juventude: tendência temporal e correlação com cobertura pré-natal na Bahia, 2000-2020

Objetivo: analisar a tendência temporal da mortalidade materna e correlacioná-la com a cobertura pré-natal entre adolescentes e adultas jovens, Bahia, Brasil, 2000-2020. Métodos: estudo ecológico de série temporal e correlação entre óbitos maternos e consulta de pré-natal aos 10-19 e 20-24 anos, utilizando-se o Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade; a tendência foi analisada pela regressão de Prais-Winsten, segundo raça/cor da pele, causas e momento do óbito; para a correlação, utilizou-se o coeficiente de Spearman. Resultados: no período, foram registrados 418 óbitos de adolescentes e 574 de adultas jovens; razão de mortalidade materna de 59,7 e 63,2 óbitos/100 mil nascidos vivos, com tendência decrescente significante (-2,2% e -2,9% respectivamente); observou-se correlação inversa entre maior número de consultas e mortalidade materna, nos grupos etários. Conclusão: a mortalidade materna apresentou tendência de redução no período, porém com altas proporções de óbito; houve correlação significante entre cobertura pré-natal e mortalidade materna, entre adolescentes e adultas jovens.

Objective: to analyze the temporal trend of maternal mortality and correlate it with prenatal care coverage among adolescents and young adults, state of Bahia, Brazil, 2000-2020. Methods: this was an ecological time-series study and correlation between maternal deaths and prenatal care visits in 10-19 and 20-24 age groups, using the Mortality Information System; the trend analysis was performed by means of Prais-Winsten regression, according to race/skin color, timing and causes of death; and Spearman coefficient was used for correlation. Results: in the study period, 418 deaths among adolescents and 574 among young adults were recorded; maternal mortality ratio was 59.7 and 63.2 deaths/100,000 live births, with a significant decreasing trend (-2.2% and -2.9% respectively); it could be seen an inverse correlation between a higher number of prenatal care visits and maternal mortality in the age groups. Conclusion: maternal mortality showed a decreasing trend in the study period, but with high proportions of death; there was a significant correlation between prenatal care coverage and maternal mortality among adolescents and young adults.

Objetivo: analizar la tendencia temporal de la mortalidad materna y correlacionarla con la cobertura prenatal, entre adolescentes y adultas jóvenes, en el estado de Bahía, período 2000-2020. Métodos: estudio ecológico de series temporales y correlación entre muertes maternas y atención prenatal, en grupos de edad de 10-19 y 20-24, utilizando el Sistema de Información de Mortalidad. Analizó la tendencia mediante regresión de Prais-Winsten, según raza/color de piel, causas y hora de muerte; para correlación, el coeficiente de Spearman. Resultados: en el período se registraron 418 muertes de adolescentes y 574 de adultas jóvenes; razón de mortalidad materna de 59,7 y 63,2 muertes/100.000 nacidos vivos, con importante tendencia a la baja (-2,2%; -2,9%, respectivamente). Se observó correlación inversa entre el mayor número de consultas y la mortalidad materna en grupos. Conclusión: la mortalidad materna mostró tendencia descendente en el período, pero con altas proporciones de muertes. Hubo una correlación significativa entre la cobertura prenatal y la mortalidad materna, adolescente y adulta joven.