A Systematic Review Investigating Disparities in Maternal Mortality in Latin American Countries [ID: 1376589

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this review is to investigate maternal mortality rates (MMRs) in Latin American countries. While there are clear disparities in maternal mortality rates in Black versus non-Hispanic White women, the rate of maternal mortality rates in Hispanic women has not been well characterized. This study specifically addresses disparities in maternal mortality rates in Latin American countries. It also explores factors contributing to high MMR including socioeconomic status, age, comorbidities, ethnicity, and access to health care. METHODS: Four bibliographic databases were searched for keywords, including “maternal mortality,” “ethnic groups,” and “racial disparities.” Inclusion criteria were manuscripts that discussed Latin American countries; exclusion criteria included “wrong outcome” and studies only discussing maternal morbidity. Quality assessments for each study were completed. RESULTS: Bolivia (650/100,000), Mexico (413.5/100,000), and Ecuador (321.1/100,000) have the highest average MMR. Caribbean countries tend to have the lowest recorded MMR, whereas countries in Central and South America have the highest MMRs in Latin America. The most common factor associated with mortality was hypertensive disorders. Low socioeconomic status (SES) and extremes of maternal age were correlated with higher mortality rates. CONCLUSION: Many comorbidities contribute to mortality among pregnant women throughout Latin America, including human immunodeficiency virus, SES, extremes of maternal age, and access to care. This study shows a need for further research to help identify disparities in MMR across different Latin American countries.