Study of Risk Factors of Maternal Mortality in the Slum Populations of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, India

Arvind Pandey, Indian Council of Medical Research
B.N. Bhattacharya, Indian Statistical Institute

The study includes 68 cases and 150 controls. About tow-third cases had either live or still birth. Three had induced abortion and 13 maternal deaths occurred during ANC period. Among controls, 97% had live and 3% had still birth. The cases and control were matching for socio-economic conditions. On logistic regression, woman's parity, pregnancy outcome, her maternal care were found to be significant predictors of maternal mortality. The women with higher parity, particularly 4 and above had significantly higher risk of maternal mortality compared to those with lower parity. ANC and maternal mortality were negatively associated while the distance of health facility was positively associated. The teenage pregnancy, and the pregnancy after age 35 were found to have higher risk for maternal death. The major causes of maternal deaths (60 per cent) were related to obstetric problems including labour, hemorrhage and retention of placenta.