Maternal mortality varies considerably by country and subregion, and attention must be paid to country-level variables. Moreover, the methodological differences between countries limit the scope for cross-country comparisons. In Figure 2, the outliers should be given special consideration. Six countries in the less developed group have MMRs above the median of the least developed countries. These countries are neither economically developed nor socio-culturally advanced enough to qualify for least-developed status. As a result, their high MMRs are comparable to those of the most developed countries.
Data collection was conducted using a systematic approach. The research team systematically collected data from the registration department of selected hospitals. At the end of the study period, they visited the same registration department to cross-check all registers and note any deaths that had not been reported. At the end of each month, the lists from the three sources were compared, and duplicates were eliminated. This ensured that all data sources were representative of the number of deaths that occurred in the study area.
The ratios of the different causes of maternal death are also used. The distribution of severe obstetric morbidity in women with high BMI and a history of preeclampsia can be calculated by dividing the number of reported deaths by the total number of maternal deaths. Furthermore, the data collected can be used to identify the best methods for improving the surveillance of maternal mortality in Iran. If the findings are not satisfactory, the authors suggest some improvements.
After the data collection, the research team cross-checked all registers and identified any deaths that were not reported. At the end of each month, the three data sources were compared to each other and duplicated deaths were removed. This process was repeated for the following months. During the study period, the study team also conducted the survey among women in the region. There were no reports of infant deaths, but there were a total of 58 women with maternal morbidity.
In weaker settings, the population survey is the most effective way to collect data about maternal mortality. The survey is conducted at the household level, and names and residences are cross-checked to prevent double counting. The data can be supplemented with verbal autopsies. A standard verbal autopsy tool has been devised by the WHO. It enables researchers to collect information from a wide range of people including pregnant women.
The most common way to capture data on maternal mortality is by conducting population surveys. In these surveys, the names and residences of mothers are cross-checked to prevent double-counting. However, in less developed countries, the only available data are from a few countries. It is possible to add more variables that were not studied in the first study. The study also uses verbal autopsies. In the study, the WHO developed a standard tool to collect information on signs, symptoms, medical history, and other relevant factors.
Health facility data are an important source of MM data for many developing countries. The data from health facilities is the most reliable, but the study also needs to take into account the various factors that may influence the outcomes. The information collected by hospitals is useful, but the data can be biased. A woman’s age and gender are the most significant determinants of maternal mortality. It is important to identify and record data to make comparisons.
The main differences between surveys and vital registration are the method of death and the method used to calculate the rate. There are differences in maternal mortality rates in rural and urban areas. Nevertheless, both studies have similar results, although differences are evident in the methodology. It is important to note that the two studies are not directly comparable. The different approach and study characteristics can influence the results and strategies. The data are often inaccurate. Therefore, further work is needed to assess which type of survey is more reliable.
Maternal mortality estimates vary by country. Developing countries have more maternal deaths than developed countries, and a study in a poorer country will not accurately account for the differences between these two methods. In developed countries, there is a clear cutoff between survey and vital registration. Most studies, in fact, rely on a vital registry for data. In the case of the United States, the definition of maternal death is different.
