Maternal mortality in China, 1996-2005

Objective: To analyze the trend in maternal mortality ratio (MMR), characteristics and causes of maternal deaths, and factors influencing the MMR in China between 1996 and 2005. Methods: Data used in this study are based on the nationwide maternal mortality surveillance system. Trend in MMR and cause-specific mortality were analyzed using the Cochran-Armitage trend test. Results: From 1996 to 2005, MMR was higher in rural areas than in urban areas; and highest in remote areas followed by inner lands and coastal regions. The overall MMR in China decreased from 64.1 per 100 000 live births in 1996 to 47.6 per 100 000 live births in 2005. MMR in rural areas, remote areas, and coastal regions showed a decreasing trend. The leading causes of maternal death were obstetric hemorrhage, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and amniotic fluid embolism. The mortality ratio of obstetric hemorrhage in rural areas and remote areas reduced significantly (P<0.001). Conclusion: The MMR in China displayed regional differences. Declines in rural areas and remote areas resulted from well-targeted programs by the Chinese government. Future interventions are recommended to target causes of maternal death. (C) 2010 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.