Analysis of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mortality trends, 2011–2021

Authors

  • Mariana Vitor Peppe Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Centro Colaborador da OPAS/OMS para o Desenvolvimento da Pesquisa em Enfermagem, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil. Bolsista da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6274-4900
  • Fernanda Bruzadelli Paulino da Costa Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Centro Colaborador da OPAS/OMS para o Desenvolvimento da Pesquisa em Enfermagem, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5310-5592
  • Livia Sanches Pedrilio Sociedade Beneficente Israelita Brasileira Albert Einstein, Escritório de Excelência, São Paulo, SP, Brasil. Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3422-0071
  • Caio Antonio de Campos Prado Fundação de Apoio ao Ensino, Pesquisa e Assistência, Centro de Referência da Saúde da Mulher-Mater, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil. Universidade de São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1767-4725
  • Ana Cyntia Paulin Baraldi Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil. Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde, Bireme, Brasília, DF, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6405-6164
  • Juliana Stefanello Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Centro Colaborador da OPAS/OMS para o Desenvolvimento da Pesquisa em Enfermagem, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3926-0144

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.7559.4669

Keywords:

Maternal Death; COVID-19; Maternal Health; Obstetrics; Epidemiologic Methods; Health Surveillance System

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the time-series trend for maternal mortality before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: ecological time-series study in the state of São Paulo and in its seventeen Regional Health Departments. Collection of secondary data provided by the Ministry of Health. Study variables: total, direct and indirect maternal mortality ratios. Analysis was performed by segmented regression model. Results: maternal mortality ratio trends were stationary in 2011–2019, followed by a 25.6% increase in 2019–2021. The direct maternal mortality ratio had an upward trend of 7.2% in 2011–2017 and a stationary trend in 2017–2021. The indirect maternal mortality ratio was stationary in 2011–2019, followed by a 70.5% increase in 2019–2021. The regional health departments of the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo, Araçatuba, Bauru, Campinas, Presidente Prudente, São João da Boa Vista, São José do Rio Preto and Sorocaba showed an upward trend for maternal mortality in 2011–2021. Conclusion: the COVID-19 pandemic severely influenced the increase in maternal mortality, especially from indirect causes, with 2021 being the worst year in the time series. The findings were important to assist in the organization of maternal mortality reduction strategies by directing them to priority areas.

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Published

2025-11-03

Issue

Vol. 33 (2025)

Section

Original Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem

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How to Cite

Peppe, M. V., Costa, F. B. P. da, Pedrilio, L. S., Prado, C. A. de C., Baraldi, A. C. P., & Stefanello, J. (2025). Analysis of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mortality trends, 2011–2021. Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem, 33, e4669. https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.7559.4669