The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #60832

Karen P. Menendez, MPH, Shabbir Ahmad, DVM, MS, PhD, Michael Curtis, PhD, Roberto Garcia, BS, and Ellen J. Stein, MD, MA, MPH. Epidemiology, Evaluation & Surveillance Section, Maternal & Child Health Branch, California Department of Health Services, 714 P Street, Room 499, Sacramento, CA 95814, 916-654-0110, KMenende@dhs.ca.gov

Background: In 2001, there were 168,929 births to immigrant Hispanic women representing 32% of all California births and 65% of Hispanic births. Although immigrant Hispanic women typically have better infant birth outcomes than their U.S. born counterparts, little is known about maternal health differences between these populations. This study presents maternal mortality trend data for 1997-2001 and cause of maternal death data for 2001. Methods: Maternal birth and death records from California’s Office of Vital Statistics were analyzed for all women of reproductive age within California. Maternal mortality rates were defined as number of maternal deaths (ICD-9 codes 630-676 and ICD-10 codes 261-273) per 100,000 live births. Results: Overall Hispanic maternal mortality rates were similar to statewide rates from 1997 through 2001. However, in all years but one, the maternal mortality rate for immigrant Hispanic women was at least 1.5 times greater than their U.S. born counterparts. Although the gap narrowed from 1997-1999, it began increasing again in 2000 and neared 2.5 times by 2001. The leading cause of maternal mortality among immigrant Hispanic women was Eclampsia/Preeclampsia, unlike for U.S. born Hispanics. Conclusion: Distinct differences in maternal mortality exist among California’s diverse population of childbearing women. Active surveillance is necessary, particularly when maternal mortality in California is 10.6 deaths per 100,000 live births, while the Healthy People 2010 objective is 3.3. Efforts to reduce preventable health disparities, including pregnancy-related deaths within the emerging Hispanic population are needed. Analyzing Hispanic maternal mortality by immigration status is a useful surveillance tool for focusing on at-risk populations.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• 3. Recognize the significance of the epidemiology of maternal mortality, particularly when developing interventions aimed at improving the overall quality of women's health.
  6. Discuss the implications of nativity when assessing the maternal health of Hispanics in the U.S.

Keywords: Maternal Health, Immigrant Women

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.