Maternal mortality due to hypertension in Peru during the period 2020-2023

Guillén E.J.P.; De la Cruz R.V.H.; Pérez G.A.; Becerra R.M.Á.; Benavente J.M.; Reyes R.E.R.; Quispe S.F.Q. · Revista Habanera de Ciencias Medicas (2024)

Resumen

Introduction: Maternal mortality is an indicator of excellence in public health. Objective: To describe maternal mortality due to hypertension in Peru during the period 2020-2023. Material and Methods: An observational longitudinal study was carried out in January 2024, in Ica, Peru. Maternal deaths were described from 2020 to 2023 until week 18. The population considered was 565 (sample: 110 cases). The initial analysis corresponded to the description by age group (19 years or younger, from 20 to 35 years, and over 35 years), time of occurrence (postpartum, pregnancy, delivery, or unknown events), and hypertensive disorders. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS v25. Results: In 2021, maternal mortality was the highest (44.62%), while in 2020, it was the lowest (31.21%). The 20-35 age group recorded most of the deaths (58%), followed by >35 years (31%) and ≤19 years (11%), respectively. Relative frequencies decreased from 2021 to 2023, with the puerperium as the most critical time (90%). Deaths due to hypertensive disorders decreased from 2021 (23%) to 2023 (18%). Five criteria were proposed to mitigate maternal mortality due to hypertension, including promoting reproductive decision-making and ensuring equitable access to obstetric care, prioritizing early detection of this disorder. Conclusions: The analysis of maternal mortality in Peru from 2020 to 2023 underscores the urgency of improving obstetric care, accomplishing the early detection of disorders such as hypertension, and promoting equity of access to reproductive health services.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional San Luis Gonzaga; Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista; Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann