Prospective Analysis of Maternal Mortality in Konaseema, Andhra Pradesh: Risk Factors, Causes, and Healthcare Challenges.

BACKGROUND

Maternal mortality remains a significant public health concern in developing countries, where many maternal deaths are preventable with timely and effective care. Understanding the underlying risk factors, causes, and challenges within healthcare systems is essential for designing targeted interventions. This study aimed to investigate the determinants of maternal mortality in Konaseema, Andhra Pradesh, India, to identify key areas for improving maternal health outcomes.

METHODS

This prospective study analyzed maternal mortality data from medical records at the District Medical and Health Office (DM & HO) in Mummidivaram over a 2.5-year period, from April 2022 to January 2025. The study focused on women who died due to pregnancy-related complications during pregnancy, childbirth (regardless of outcome: live birth, stillbirth, or abortion), or within 42 days following the end of pregnancy, consistent with the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of maternal mortality. A total of 62,750 deliveries and 62,713 live births were recorded during the study period, with 40 maternal deaths identified. Data on demographic characteristics, obstetric conditions, healthcare facility characteristics, causes of mortality, and types of delays were extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

In Konaseema, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) stood at 63.78 per 100,000 live births. Most maternal deaths occurred among women aged 20 to 34 years, totaling 34 cases (85%), and among multigravida women, accounting for 23 cases (57.5%). The majority of deaths (32 cases, 80%) occurred in the postpartum period, and the leading complications included puerperal sepsis (seven cases, 17.5%), hypertension with pulmonary edema (five cases, 12.5%), and postpartum hemorrhage (five cases, 12.5%). Delays in seeking treatment, accessing healthcare facilities, and receiving timely care significantly contributed to mortality, with 18 cases (45%) experiencing a delay in the decision to seek assistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite improvements in healthcare infrastructure, maternal mortality in Konaseema remains high due to delays in care and referral from other healthcare centers. Strengthening referral systems, improving healthcare access, and enhancing healthcare worker training are essential to reducing maternal deaths. Addressing these delays through effective interventions could significantly improve maternal health outcomes in the region.