Aims, options and outcomes in measuring maternal mortality in developing societies

Background Effective methods For measuring maternal mortality in developing countries are important, particularly in assessing interventions aiming fo r safer motherhood. Here the performance of different approaches is compare d in the same setting. Methods. Estimates of maternal mortality in a rural Ethiopian community are reported, made by direct observation; a case-control approach, and the sis terhood method. Results. Adjusted estimates of MMR using these methods ranged between 440 a nd 665 per 100,000 live births. Conclusions. The advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches a re compared, both for operational feasibility and outcome.