[The factors associated with hospital maternal death in the state of Morelos, Mexico].

The objective of this case-control study was to assess some risk factors related to hospital maternal mortality in the state of Morelos, Mexico. The cases were all maternal deaths which occurred in Morelos between 1989 and 1991 (n = 35), and the controls were women who presented the same complications and were taken care for at the same hospitals than the cases, but survived pregnancy and delivery (n = 35). The results showed that living with a partner is a protective factor (OR = 0.08), as well as using family planning methods (OR = 0.15). Not receiving care at the first place where it was requested was a risk factor (OR = 6.6). Maternal deaths had the same number of prenatal care visits than controls, but their first visit occurred, in average, one month later. The implications of the small sample size, characteristic of the studies on maternal mortality, are discussed at length. The results pinpoint the need to strengthen high-risk pregnancies screening programs through early prenatal care, and promote intersectorial strategies to provide care to pregnant women.