Trends in maternal mortality in St Vincent and the Grenadines: A 10-year review based on the annual perinatal audit data

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To examine the trend in maternal mortality in St Vincent and the Grenadines during the 2004–2013 period and to examine the use of the perinatal audit systemas a feedback and surveillance tool to effect an improvement in the quality of care for women, leading to a reduction in maternal mortality. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study that collected and analysed maternal mortality data from the annual perinatal audit during the 10-year period 2004–2013. Data were also matched with those of other data sources. The data were examined to identify the number of maternal deaths during the period under review and the cause of these deaths. RESULTS: During the 10-year period under review, there was an average 1.3 maternal deaths per year. The majority of these deaths were classified as direct deaths (92.3%) caused principally by pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, while only 7.7% were due to indirect causes. Maternal mortality ratio decreased significantly from 74 in 1990 to 45 deaths/100000 live births in 2014. CONCLUSION: Avoidable maternal deaths must be prevented. The perinatal audit system surveillance should be strengthened. Mortality rates are essential in identifying problems within the healthcare system. Maternal mortality reviews should continue to be held as they provide valuable feedback, data and evidence for the health sector.