Maternal mortality in Greece (1980-1996)

Objective: To use data from the National Statistical Service of Greece to e xamine trends in maternal mortality and risk factors for maternal deaths. S tudy Design: Maternal mortality in Greece has been studied from years 1980 to 1996 in total, by cause of death, by residency (urban/rural) and by mate rnal age. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has been defined as the number of deaths per 100 000 live births. Results: From years 1980 to 1996, there have been 136 maternal deaths (MMR: 7). The number of deaths has significa ntly decreased during this period and six major causes of death have been i dentified. resulting in 80% of maternal deaths. A simulation of maternal mo rtality between urban and rural areas has been achieved during the last dec ade. Also. maternal mortality rises dramatically with age. Conclusions: Alt hough overall rates of maternal mortality in Greece have been significantly decreased over the last years, an improved recording of maternal deaths is necessary for identifying preventable factors and developing effective int erventions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.