BACKGROUND: Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) is defined as having unexpected outcomes at labor and delivery that result in significant consequences to a woman’s health. The rate of SMM has risen 99% domestically between 1998 and 2015, and has been found to increase postpartum rehospitalizations, but more research needs to be done to understand the impact by race/ethnicity. The postpartum period is a critical time for monitoring the health of women. It is possible that the impact of SMM on postpartum rehospitalizations could be mediated through more effective and frequent follow-up. However, there is a gap in the literature around the experiences of Black women and postpartum care. METHODS: A mixed methods study was conducted to determine 90-day postpartum rehospitalization rates among a population of Black women in the state of Georgia (retrospective cohort study). Additionally, an assessment of the barriers, facilitators, and preferences for postpartum care among low-income Black women in the Atlanta Healthy Start Initiative was conducted (in-depth interviews). The quantitative analysis was based on 317,735 births between 2015-2017, while the qualitative analysis involved 26 in-depth interviews conducted May 2020-August 2020. RESULTS: Black women had a 78% greater likelihood of experiencing SMM (207/10,000 to 116/10,000 deliveries) than White women. The relative risk of SMM was 60% higher for Blacks, compared to Whites, even after adjusting for confounders (1.6: 95% CI 1.4-1.7). The relative risk of 90-day postpartum rehospitalization for women with SMM was 100% higher (RR 2.0, 95% CI: 1.6-2.5) than without SMM, though there was no difference between the likelihood of rehospitalization for Black or White women with SMM. Qualitatively, interviewees reported an array of difficulties in accessing Medicaid, challenges with scheduling appointments, and a lack of coordination of care. Facilitators to care included appointment reminders, consistent childcare, and positive coordination of care. Our study also documents the stigma that some Black women face in healthcare, such as unfair treatment or feeling ignored during their maternal healthcare experience. CONCLUSION: Strategies implemented at hospital discharge and early postpartum should be explored to prevent rehospitalizations in the SMM population. In addition, reducing policy-related and organizational-related barriers are key to improving access to postpartum care for low-income Black women in Atlanta. / 2022-05-14T00:00:00Z

Background Maternal morbidity (MM) describes adverse pregnancy-related outcomes, excluding mortality, among the pregnant and postpartum population. It is a concept without a universal definition, and most of the literature consists of clinical definitions rooted within the biomedical model of health. The MM perspectives of women and people with pregnancy experience (WPPE) are less well understood, which has resulted in a recent increase in qualitative research on the topic. However, the literature varies in its descriptions of MM which limits data comparisons across institutions and regions that measure differently. Objectives This study aims to a) understand the conditions and events that WPPE conceptualize as MM, b) identify the themes that arise across WPPE’s experiences, and c) produce a schematic representation of how WPPE conceptualize MM. Methods A concept analysis adapted from the evolutionary model investigated MM from WPPE’s perspectives. The steps included: 1) Identifying and naming the concept and surrogate terms (synonyms) 2) Data collection: literature search consisting of title/abstract and full-text screenings, appraisal, and chart extraction 3) Identifying the concept’s ‘antecedents’ (events that lead to the concept), ‘attributes’ (events that form concept), and ‘consequences’ (events that result from the concept) 4) Analyzing data using thematic analysis 5) Developing a model of the concept Results A literature search identified 40 eligible studies. Analysis of WPPE’s MM perceptions from these studies resulted in a MM concept consisting of four attributes – physical (themes relating to pain, bleeding, and adverse infant outcomes), social (themes relating to financial distress, lack of support, abuse, and mothering), psychological (themes relating to fear and distress), and healthcare-related (themes relating to the provider-patient relationship and healthcare facility). Antecedents that preceded MM included being labelled high-risk, access to care, financial stress, cultural norms, physical symptoms, previous adverse experience, lack of support, lack of information, effects of pregnancy on WPPE’s life, and lack of resources. The consequences that followed MM included continued morbidity, inability or reluctance to conceive again, changes to bodily function, strained relationship with partner, financial stress, and in some instances positive outcomes (e.g., gratitude for surviving, good health of baby). Conclusions This study illustrated the concept of MM from WPPE’s perspectives by identifying its antecedents, attributes and consequences. In doing so, it demonstrated that MM as perceived by WPPE encompasses more than physical attributes, which largely form the basis of current classification systems. Incorporating these findings into clinical definitions can help inform health and community care approaches to increasingly meet WPPE’s needs. / Thesis / Master of Public Health (MPH) / Reducing poor maternal health outcomes is a global health priority. An indicator of maternal health is maternal morbidity (MM), which describes adverse pregnancy-related outcomes, excluding death, among the pregnant and postpartum population. However, MM is a concept without a universal definition. There has been a recent increase in qualitative research on the MM perspectives of women and people with pregnancy experience (WPPE), which are less well-understood than clinical MM definitions. Therefore, our aim was to understand the conditions and events that WPPE consider as MM. We collected our data from qualitative studies that interviewed WPPE about their MM experiences and analyzed the data for themes that we presented in a concept model. Our findings resulted in a MM concept consisting of physical, social, psychological, and healthcare-related attributes. Factors from the pre-pregnancy period contributed to WPPE’s perceived MM experiences and postpartum events with long-term consequences were also relevant to their health and wellbeing. Protective factors including having good support and faith increased WPPE’s resilience in the face of unexpected MM events. This understanding of WPPE’s perspectives may support future research and interventions to reflect their needs and improve healthcare approaches to MM.

Orientador: José Carlos Peraçoli / Resumo: Introdução: Nos últimos 20 anos, o conceito de near miss (risco de morte iminente) é abordado na saúde materna como adjuvante dos inquéritos confidenciais de morte materna. No sistema de saúde, o Hospital Terciário/Quaternário é centro de referência para pacientes em situações graves que as colocam em risco de morte. A Maternidade do HC-FMB-Unesp é um dos centros terciário/quaternário de referência para patologias obstétricas do DRS-VI do Estado de São Paulo. A análise da frequência de situações de risco que chegam à maternidadegestantes portadoras de hipertensão arterial, bem com a assistência que receberam até serem referenciadas e ao chegarem à maternidade, poderá identificar deficiências e propor o seu aprimoramento, reduzindo-se assim o risco do binômio mãe-feto. Objetivo: Determinar a frequência de casos de morbidade materna grave não near missque evoluíram para situação de near miss, associados à hipertensão arterial e propor protocolo clínico de assistência pré-natal, bem como aprimorar o protocolo de assistência praticada no centro terciário com finalidade de reduzir o risco do binômio mãe-feto. Sujeitos e métodos: Foram identificados todos os casos de gestantes ou puérperas com diagnóstico de morbidade materna grave e de near miss,relacionados à hipertensão arterial, que receberam assistência obstétrica durante os anos de 2015 e 2016.De forma descritiva os resultados foram apresentados em porcentagem sob a forma de tabelas. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Étic... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Introduction: Between 10% and 15% of maternal deaths are related to hypertensive gestational diseases, and most of these deaths are avoided by effective and timely care. Over the past 20 years, the concept of near miss has been addressed in maternal health as an adjunct to confidential maternal death surveys. Objective: To determine the frequency of evolution of cases of severe maternal morbidity not near miss (SMM not MNM) for maternal near miss (MNM) associated with hypertension in the reference center of the Polo Cuesta and Jurumirim Vale subareas of the Regional Health Division - VI (DRS-VI) of the State of São Paulo. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was carried out between 2015 and 2016 at a tertiary/quaternary reference center for the Polo Cuesta and Jurumirim Vale sub-areas of DRS-VI in the state of São Paulo. A total of 167 pregnant women or postpartum women with a diagnosis of hypertension with signs of severity were included. In addition to the frequency of near miss, demographic, clinical and origin data were obtained according to the subarea of the regional health study population. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine of Botucatu - Unesp (Opinion No. 2,309,947). The categorical variables were analyzed by the statistical program SPSS. Results: The demographic characteristics of the population studied were predominantly between 20-35 years old (68%), Caucasian (75.4%), stable union (71.9%), and no paid oc... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

As taxas de morte materna vêm diminuindo em diversos países como resultado de esforços para atingir o Quinto Objetivo de Desenvolvimento do Milênio, o qual estipulou redução da morte materna no Brasil de 56/100.000 nascidos vivos para 16/100.000 nascidos vivos. Os estudos sobre a Morbidade Materna Grave vêm contribuir para compreensão das causas da morte materna, uma vez que se referem às mulheres que sobreviveram a graves complicações na gestação, parto ou puerpério. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho buscou conhecer e analisar as vivências, por parte de mulheres, em relação a um episódio de Morbidade Materna Grave. Utilizando o método qualitativo, foi possível compreender a vivência subjetiva das mulheres sobre a Morbidade Materna Grave. As mulheres que participaram do estudo foram identificadas durante internação decorrente do estado mórbido, sendo contatadas no hospital. Um segundo encontro foi agendado para realização de entrevista semiestruturada. Foram entrevistadas 16 mulheres que passaram por um episódio de Morbidade Materna Grave. As entrevistas foram transcritas e analisadas, segundo a análise de conteúdo. A análise das entrevistas permitiu identificar quatro temáticas: \"gravidez não é doença... mas eu adoeci\"; \"não estou doente, isso deve ser da gravidez\"; tratamento: um mal necessário; superação x alerta constante. As participantes apresentaram uma representação de saúde como ausência de doença e de saúde como algo incapacitante. Essa representação vai ao encontro da dificuldade em identificar os sintomas da morbidade em estágios iniciais, buscando auxílio apenas quando os sintomas estavam em estado avançado e interferindo na rotina das mulheres. A gestação foi representada como uma doença, uma vez que a experiência da Morbidade Materna Grave se sobressaiu à experiência da gestação. A Morbidade Materna Grave foi entendida como uma experiência negativa relacionada às dificuldades do tratamento e hospitalização. Também foi possível identificar nas falas das mulheres a presença de medo, preocupação com o feto, frustração da gravidez idealizada, trauma, mas também aprendizado e um propósito de Deus como aspectos positivos da experiência. Como consequência do evento mórbido, as mulheres relataram maior preocupação com a saúde e mudança em alguns comportamentos que possam evitar uma recaída. Diante esses achados, percebemos a importância de um acompanhamento efetivo no pré-natal e puerpério que possibilite uma maior reflexão sobre saúde e autocuidado, além de oferecer um suporte mais efetivo para as dificuldades e sequelas da Morbidade Materna Grave / Maternal death rates are decreasing in many countries as a result of efforts to achieve the fifth Millennium Development Goal, which stipulates reduction of maternal death in Brazil from 56/100.000 live births to 16/100.000 live births. Studies on the Severe Maternal Morbidity helps to understand the causes of maternal death because it refers to women who have survived serious complications during pregnancy, childbirth or puerperium. In this context, the present study searched to understand and analyze the experiences of women about an episode of Severe Maternal Morbidity. By using the qualitative method, it was possible to understand the subjective experience of women about Severe Maternal Morbidity. Participants were identified and contacted during hospitalization due to a morbid state. A second meeting was scheduled to undergo semistructured interview. We interviewed 16 women who had an episode of Severe Maternal Morbidity. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed according to content analysis. The data analysis allowed us to identify four themes: \"pregnancy is not a disease... but I got sick\"; \"I\'m not sick, it must be part of the pregnancy\"; treatment: a necessary evil; overcoming x constant alert. Participants represent health as absence of disease and health as something disabling. This representation meets the difficulty in identifying the symptoms of morbidity in early stages, seeking help only when symptoms were at an advanced stage and interfering in women\'s routine. Pregnancy was represented as a disease once the experience of Severe Maternal Morbidity overcame the experience of pregnancy. The Severe Maternal Morbidity was perceived as a negative experience related to the difficulties of treatment and hospitalization. It was also possible to identify in the women\'s speech the presence of fear, concern for the fetus, and frustration of idealized pregnancy, trauma, but also learning and a purpose of God as positive aspects of the experience. Because of the morbid event, women reported greater concern about health and change in some behaviors that may prevent relapse. Given these findings, we realize the importance of an effective monitoring prenatal and postpartum that provides a larger reflection on health and self-care besides offering more effective support for the difficulties and consequences of Severe Maternal Morbidity

Introdução – A mortalidade materna apresenta grande diferença entre os países desenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento e espelha a qualidade da assistência prestada à saúde da mulher. Para evidenciar melhor essa assistência novos métodos de estudo vêm sendo utilizados, dentre eles a investigação das morbidades materna graves – near misses. Objetivo - Analisar se a cor é fator de risco determinante de casos de near miss, das mulheres residentes em três municípios da Região Metropolitana de Curitiba. Método - Estudo de caso-controle prospectivo de base populacional. Resultados - Foram identificados 68 casos de near miss, dentre eles um óbito materno direto, um indireto tardio e um direto tardio, sendo relação de 1 óbito para cada 23 casos de near miss ou 4,41%. A razão de mortalidade materna ficou em 36,05/100 mil nascidos vivos, atingindo 108,15/100 mil nascidos vivos considerando os dois óbitos tardios. Os casos representam taxa de 2,45% das gestantes ou 24,50/1000 partos. Tanto na análise univariada como na multivariada a cor não apresentou significância estatística sendo o p= 0,497 e 0,8964 respectivamente. Houve significância estatística na interação entre cor e paridade p= 0,0095, OR 3,67 (IC 95% 1,37 – 9,80). Conclusões – Dentre outros achados a relação de 1 óbito materno para 23 casos de near miss e o salto da razão de mortalidade materna de 36,05 para 108,15/100 mil nascidos vivos justificam o estudo da morbidade materna grave, possibilitando conhecer a real situação da assistência a saúde da mulher. A variável cor não foi identificada como sendo fator de risco para near miss. Evidenciou-se a necessidade de aprofundamento da análise das variáveis identificadas como fatores de risco para near miss: idade e outras causas de internação para mulheres brancas, número de gestações e doenças associadas para as mulheres negras, assim como a instituição de outros parâmetros de análise como as transferências e reinternações. / Introduction - Maternal mortality presents great difference between the developed and developing countries and reflects the quality of the woman health care delivered. To evidence this assistance better new study methods come being used, amongst them, the investigation of the severe maternal morbidity - near misses. Objective – Evaluate if the color is a determinative factor to cases of near miss to women who live in three cities of Metropolitan Region Curitiba. Method – Prospective case-control study of population-based. Results – 68 cases of near miss had been identified, amongst them one direct maternal death, one delayed indirect and one delayed direct, being relation of 1 death for each 23 cases of near miss or 4.41%. The maternal mortality ratio was in 36,05/100,000 live births, reaching 108,15/100,000 live births considering the two delayed deaths. The cases represent 2,45% of the pregnants or 24,50/1000 live births. As much in the univariate analysis as in multivariate the color did not present statistic significance, being p= 0,497 and 0,8964, respectively. There was statistic significance in the interaction between color and parity p= 0,0095, OR 3,67 (IC 95% 1,37 - 9,80). Conclusions – Amongst other findings, the relation of 1 maternal death for 23 cases of near miss and the jump of the maternal mortality ratio from 36,05 to 108,15/100,000 live births justify the maternal morbidity study making possible to know the real situation of the assistance the health of the woman. The variable color was not identified as being factor of risk to near miss. It was proven necessity of deepening of the analysis of the identified variable as factors of risk to near miss: age and other causes of internment for white women, number of gestations and diseases associates for the black women, as well as the institution of other parameters of analysis as the transferences and re-internment

Affecting 6-8% of all pregnancies, preeclampsia is the leading cause of maternal morbidity in the western world and is charactensed by hypertension, proteinuria, edema and platelet aggregation. Despite its prevalence and severity, no comprehensive theory or single factor has been suggested to explain the pathophysiology of this multi system disorder of pregnancy, with the only therapies being bed rest, pharmacological symptom management and if necessary early delivery. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, resulting from defective trophoblast invasion, reductions in placental perfusion and placental hypoxia/reoxygenation. The inability of endogenous antioxidant systems up regulated in normal pregnancy, to control increased levels of oxidative stress, is suggested as a possible factor in the feed forward generation of reactive oxygen species and placental oxidative stress. That in turn may stimulate increased syncytiotrophoblast apoptosis, endothelial cell activation and the maternal hyper immune response characteristic of preeclampsia. Analysis of the research literature revealed that previous evaluations of placental oxidation and antioxidant enzyme activity in preeclampsia were by no means comprehensive, and exhibited significant inter-study variations. It was the aim of this thesis to clarify the placental oxidative state and the endogenous antioxidant activity of glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase, thioredoxin and superoxide dismutase in human placentae in an attempt to determine if variations in antioxidant function were due to changes in gene expression or protein oxidation. The findings reported in this thesis indicate the presence of increased levels of oxidative stress in the preeclamptic placenta, associated with significant reductions in antioxidant enzyme capacity. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis of placental samples revealed that deceases in antioxidant capacity in the placenta are more likely to be related to the significant oxidative burden within the tissue rather than reductions in gene expression. A number of animal models exist to investigate components of preeclampsia pathophysiology, however the ability of these models to mimic the oxidative and antioxidant features of preeclampsia remains unclear. The exposure of pregnant rats to N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester is a widely used model of endothelial cell dysfunction during preeclampsia. It was the aim of this thesis to determine the biochemical characteristics of this model in an attempt to assess its effectiveness in mimicking oxidative changes in the preeclamptic placenta. Although this model is capable of producing a syndiome in rats similar to the disorder in terms of physiology, this is not manifest in terms of placental biochemistry. The importance of selenium in the synthesis of selenobased antioxidants such as glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase is well documented. Increasing demand for selenium by the developing fetus may be linked to reductions in selenium status during pregnancy. Considering preeclampsia is associated with significant reductions in selenium status it may be hypothesised that reductions in antioxidant function may be linked to selenium inadequacy. The modulation of dietary selenium in pregnant rats was used to determine the importance of selenium during pregnancy and its effect on antioxidant function and placental oxidative stress. The results of this analysis revealed that selenium deficiency causes a pregnancy specific condition similar to preeclampsia. This condition was found to be associated with increased placental oxidative stress and significant reductions in the systemic activity of selenobased antioxidants that could be modified through selenium supplementation. In summary, data obtained in this thesis indicate that placental oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity play a significant role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. These studies support the hypothesis that antioxidant sufficiency is crucial in the maintenance of oxidative balance and that antioxidant dysfunction may result in damage to the placenta and the progression of the disease. These novel data further our understanding of the pathophysiology of preeclampsia and provide new insight into the pathogenesis of clinical complications exhibited in this condition, suggesting antioxidant therapy as a possible means for improving the health outcomes of both mother and baby.

There are increasing concerns about the excessive use of cesarean delivery in the United States, as cesarean deliveries have been associated with adverse maternal and infant health outcomes. Currently, the cesarean section (C/S) rate for Florida is the second highest in the nation. Furthermore, preliminary reports from the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) have implicated the increasing rate of cesarean delivery to an increase in the rate of late preterm births (PTB) in Florida (births at 34 to 36 weeks gestational age). Information on the impact of late PTB associated with cesarean delivery on the rate of maternal and infant morbidity in Florida as well as corresponding utilization of health care services is scarce. Information on the validity of data sources used to investigate infant and maternal health outcomes in Florida is also scarce. Therefore, the objectives of this research project were: (1) to determine the validity of data sources used to investigate low documented risk C/S and late PTB, and (2) to assess the impact of low documented risk C/S on maternal and infant morbidity and subsequent healthcare utilization. To determine the accuracy of data elements reported on the Florida birth certificate and hospital discharge data, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, kappa statistics and likelihood ratios were calculated. To assess differences in morbidity by route of delivery, generalized estimating equations and survival analyses were employed. Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods were used to determine appropriate morbidities for inclusion in all analyses. Differences in accuracy of data by data source was observed, with linked birth certificate and hospital discharge data demonstrating improved accuracy compared to birth certificate and discharge data alone. Further, significant differences in the rate of maternal and infant morbidity by route of delivery were observed, with cesarean delivery increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes, and intensive use of healthcare services.

Thesis (MNutr (Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Human Nutrition))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction : The health status of women in peri-urban areas has been influence by the South African political transition. Despite some progress, maternal and child mortality rates are still unacceptably high. A mother’s nutritional status is one of the most important determinants of maternal and birth outcomes. The Institute of Medicine’s pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) method is not always appropriate to use in a peri-urban setting as many women attend their first antenatal clinic later on in their pregnancy. Two alternative methods, the gestational BMI (GBMI) and the gestational risk score (GRS), have been used elsewhere to screen for at risk pregnancies, but have not been used in a South African peri-urban setting. Furthermore, examining socio-economic variables (SEV) aids in the explanation of the impact of social structures on an individual. Risk factors can then be established and pregnant women in these higher risk groups can be identified and given additional antenatal clinic appointments and priority during labour. Aim: The first aim was to investigate the strength of the GBMI and GRS methods for predicting birth outcomes and maternal morbidities. The second aim was to investigate the relationships between SEV, GBMI and maternal morbidities. Methods: This was a sub-study of the Philani Mentor Mothers Study. A sample of 103 and 205 were selected for investigating the prediction methods and SEV respectively. Maternal anthropometry, gestational weeks and SEV were obtained during interviews before birth. Information obtained was used to calculate GBMI and GRS and to assess the SEV. Birth outcomes were obtained from the infant’s clinic cards and maternal morbidities were obtained from interviews two days after the birth. Results No significant association was found between GBMI and birth outcomes and maternal morbidities. A significant positive association was found between GRS and birth head circumference percentile (r=0.22, p<0.05). The higher the GRS, the higher the risk of an infant spending longer time in the hospital (Kruskal Wallis X2 = 4, p<0.05). A significant positive association was found between GBMI and the following SEV factors; age (r=0.33, p<0.05), height (r=0.15, p<0.05), parity (r=0.23, p<0.05), income (r=0.2, p<0.05), marital status (X2 = 9.35, p<0.05), employment (U=2.9, p<0.05) and HIV status (U=2.54, p<0.05). No statistically significant relationships were found between gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus and SEV. Conclusion: From the findings of this sub-study there were some promising results, however it is still unclear as to which method is the most appropriate to predict adverse birth outcomes and maternal morbidity. It is recommended that the GBMI and GRS once-off methods be repeated in a larger population to see if there are more parameters that could be predicted. Women who were older, shorter, married, had more pregnancies, HIV negative and had a higher socioeconomic status tended to have a greater GBMI. This can lead to adverse birth outcomes and increases the risk of women developing maternal morbidities and other chronic diseases later in their life. Optimal nutrition and health promotion strategies targeting women before conception should be implemented. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding: Die gesondheidstatus van vroue in semi-stedelike areas is beïnvloed deur die Suid-Afrikaanse politiese oorgang. Ten spyte van ’n mate van vooruitgang is die sterftesyfers vir moeders en kinders steeds onaanvaarbaar hoog. ‘n Moeder se voedingstatus is een van die mees belangrike bepalende faktore van moeder- en geboorteuitkomste. Die Instituut van Geneeskunde se voorswangerskap Liggaamsmassa Indeks (LMI) metode is nie altyd toepaslik om te gebruik in ‘n semi-stedelike opset nie aangesien baie vroue hul eerste voorgeboorte-kliniek eers later in hul swangerskap bywoon. Twee alternatiewe metodes, die swangerskap LMI (SLMI) en die swangerskap risiko telling (SRT) is al elders gebruik as sifting vir hoë risiko swangerskappe, maar is nog nie gebruik in ‘n Suid-Afrikaanse semi-stedelike opset nie. Vervolgens kan ‘n ondersoek na sosio-ekonomiese veranderlikes (SEV) help om die impak van maatskaplike strukture op ‘n individu te verduidelik. Risiko faktore kan dan vasgestel word en swanger vroue wat in hierdie hoër risiko groepe val kan geïdentifiseer word. Dié vroue kan addisionele voorgeboorte-kliniek afsprake ontvang asook voorkeurbehandeling tydens die geboorteproses. Doelstellings: Die eerste doelstelling was om die sterkte van die SLMI en SRT metodes te ondersoek as voorspellers van geboorte uitkomste en moeder-morbiditeite. Die tweede doelstelling was om die verhoudings tussen SEV, SLMI en moeder-morbiditeite te ondersoek. Metodes: Hierdie projek was ‘n sub-studie van die Philani Mentor Moeders Studie. ‘n Steekproefgrootte van 103 en 205 was geselekteer om onderskeidelik die voorspeller metodes en SEV te ondersoek. Die moeder se antropometrie, swangerskap weke en SEV was verkry gedurende onderhoude voor geboorte. Informasie ingewin was gebruik om die SLMI en SRT te bereken en om die SEV te ondersoek. Geboorteuitkomste was verkry vanaf die babas se kliniekkaarte en moeder-morbiditeite was verkry tydens onderhoude twee dae na die geboorte. Resultate: Geen betekenisvolle assosiasie was gevind tussen SLMI, geboorteuitkomste en moeder-morbiditeite nie. ‘n Betekenisvolle positiewe assosiasie was gevind tussen SRT en die geboorte kopomtrek persentiel (r=0.22, p<0.05). Hoe hoër die SRT, hoe hoër die risiko dat ‘n baba langer in die hospitaal sou bly (Kruskal Wallis X2=4, p<0.05). ‘n Betekenisvolle positiewe assosiasie was gevind tussen SLMI en die volgende SEV faktore: ouderdom (r=0.33, p<0.05), lengte (r=0.15, p<0.05), pariteit (r=0.23, p<0.05), inkomste (r=0.2, p<0.05), huwelikstatus (X2=9.35, p<0.05), besit van ‘n identiteitsdokument (U=1.75, p<0.05), werkstatus (U=2.9, p<0.05) en MIV status (U=2.54, p<0.05). Geen statisties beduidende verhoudings was gevind tussen swangerskap hipertensie, swangerskap diabetes mellitus en SEV nie. Gevolgtrekking Sommige bevindinge van hierdie sub-studie dui op belowende resultate, alhoewel dit steeds nie duidelik is watter metode die mees toepaslike is om ongewenste geboorteuitkomste en moeder-morbiditeit te voorspel nie. Dit word aanbeveel dat die SLMI en SRT eenmalige metodes herhaal word in ‘n groter populasie om te sien of daar meer parameters is wat voorspel kan word. Vroue wat ouer, korter, getroud, meer swangerskappe, MIV negatief en ‘n hoër sosio-ekonomiese status gehad het was geneig om ‘n hoër SLMI te hê. Dit kan lei tot ongewenste geboorteuitkomste en verhoogde risiko om moeder-morbiditeite en ander chroniese siektes later in hul lewe te ontwikkel. Optimale voeding en gesondheidsbevordering strategieë wat vroue teiken voor bevrugting behoort geïmplementeer te word.

Introdução – A mortalidade materna apresenta grande diferença entre os países desenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento e espelha a qualidade da assistência prestada à saúde da mulher. Para evidenciar melhor essa assistência novos métodos de estudo vêm sendo utilizados, dentre eles a investigação das morbidades materna graves – near misses. Objetivo - Analisar se a cor é fator de risco determinante de casos de near miss, das mulheres residentes em três municípios da Região Metropolitana de Curitiba. Método - Estudo de caso-controle prospectivo de base populacional. Resultados - Foram identificados 68 casos de near miss, dentre eles um óbito materno direto, um indireto tardio e um direto tardio, sendo relação de 1 óbito para cada 23 casos de near miss ou 4,41%. A razão de mortalidade materna ficou em 36,05/100 mil nascidos vivos, atingindo 108,15/100 mil nascidos vivos considerando os dois óbitos tardios. Os casos representam taxa de 2,45% das gestantes ou 24,50/1000 partos. Tanto na análise univariada como na multivariada a cor não apresentou significância estatística sendo o p= 0,497 e 0,8964 respectivamente. Houve significância estatística na interação entre cor e paridade p= 0,0095, OR 3,67 (IC 95% 1,37 – 9,80). Conclusões – Dentre outros achados a relação de 1 óbito materno para 23 casos de near miss e o salto da razão de mortalidade materna de 36,05 para 108,15/100 mil nascidos vivos justificam o estudo da morbidade materna grave, possibilitando conhecer a real situação da assistência a saúde da mulher. A variável cor não foi identificada como sendo fator de risco para near miss. Evidenciou-se a necessidade de aprofundamento da análise das variáveis identificadas como fatores de risco para near miss: idade e outras causas de internação para mulheres brancas, número de gestações e doenças associadas para as mulheres negras, assim como a instituição de outros parâmetros de análise como as transferências e reinternações. / Introduction - Maternal mortality presents great difference between the developed and developing countries and reflects the quality of the woman health care delivered. To evidence this assistance better new study methods come being used, amongst them, the investigation of the severe maternal morbidity - near misses. Objective – Evaluate if the color is a determinative factor to cases of near miss to women who live in three cities of Metropolitan Region Curitiba. Method – Prospective case-control study of population-based. Results – 68 cases of near miss had been identified, amongst them one direct maternal death, one delayed indirect and one delayed direct, being relation of 1 death for each 23 cases of near miss or 4.41%. The maternal mortality ratio was in 36,05/100,000 live births, reaching 108,15/100,000 live births considering the two delayed deaths. The cases represent 2,45% of the pregnants or 24,50/1000 live births. As much in the univariate analysis as in multivariate the color did not present statistic significance, being p= 0,497 and 0,8964, respectively. There was statistic significance in the interaction between color and parity p= 0,0095, OR 3,67 (IC 95% 1,37 - 9,80). Conclusions – Amongst other findings, the relation of 1 maternal death for 23 cases of near miss and the jump of the maternal mortality ratio from 36,05 to 108,15/100,000 live births justify the maternal morbidity study making possible to know the real situation of the assistance the health of the woman. The variable color was not identified as being factor of risk to near miss. It was proven necessity of deepening of the analysis of the identified variable as factors of risk to near miss: age and other causes of internment for white women, number of gestations and diseases associates for the black women, as well as the institution of other parameters of analysis as the transferences and re-internment

As taxas de morte materna vêm diminuindo em diversos países como resultado de esforços para atingir o Quinto Objetivo de Desenvolvimento do Milênio, o qual estipulou redução da morte materna no Brasil de 56/100.000 nascidos vivos para 16/100.000 nascidos vivos. Os estudos sobre a Morbidade Materna Grave vêm contribuir para compreensão das causas da morte materna, uma vez que se referem às mulheres que sobreviveram a graves complicações na gestação, parto ou puerpério. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho buscou conhecer e analisar as vivências, por parte de mulheres, em relação a um episódio de Morbidade Materna Grave. Utilizando o método qualitativo, foi possível compreender a vivência subjetiva das mulheres sobre a Morbidade Materna Grave. As mulheres que participaram do estudo foram identificadas durante internação decorrente do estado mórbido, sendo contatadas no hospital. Um segundo encontro foi agendado para realização de entrevista semiestruturada. Foram entrevistadas 16 mulheres que passaram por um episódio de Morbidade Materna Grave. As entrevistas foram transcritas e analisadas, segundo a análise de conteúdo. A análise das entrevistas permitiu identificar quatro temáticas: \"gravidez não é doença... mas eu adoeci\"; \"não estou doente, isso deve ser da gravidez\"; tratamento: um mal necessário; superação x alerta constante. As participantes apresentaram uma representação de saúde como ausência de doença e de saúde como algo incapacitante. Essa representação vai ao encontro da dificuldade em identificar os sintomas da morbidade em estágios iniciais, buscando auxílio apenas quando os sintomas estavam em estado avançado e interferindo na rotina das mulheres. A gestação foi representada como uma doença, uma vez que a experiência da Morbidade Materna Grave se sobressaiu à experiência da gestação. A Morbidade Materna Grave foi entendida como uma experiência negativa relacionada às dificuldades do tratamento e hospitalização. Também foi possível identificar nas falas das mulheres a presença de medo, preocupação com o feto, frustração da gravidez idealizada, trauma, mas também aprendizado e um propósito de Deus como aspectos positivos da experiência. Como consequência do evento mórbido, as mulheres relataram maior preocupação com a saúde e mudança em alguns comportamentos que possam evitar uma recaída. Diante esses achados, percebemos a importância de um acompanhamento efetivo no pré-natal e puerpério que possibilite uma maior reflexão sobre saúde e autocuidado, além de oferecer um suporte mais efetivo para as dificuldades e sequelas da Morbidade Materna Grave / Maternal death rates are decreasing in many countries as a result of efforts to achieve the fifth Millennium Development Goal, which stipulates reduction of maternal death in Brazil from 56/100.000 live births to 16/100.000 live births. Studies on the Severe Maternal Morbidity helps to understand the causes of maternal death because it refers to women who have survived serious complications during pregnancy, childbirth or puerperium. In this context, the present study searched to understand and analyze the experiences of women about an episode of Severe Maternal Morbidity. By using the qualitative method, it was possible to understand the subjective experience of women about Severe Maternal Morbidity. Participants were identified and contacted during hospitalization due to a morbid state. A second meeting was scheduled to undergo semistructured interview. We interviewed 16 women who had an episode of Severe Maternal Morbidity. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed according to content analysis. The data analysis allowed us to identify four themes: \"pregnancy is not a disease... but I got sick\"; \"I\'m not sick, it must be part of the pregnancy\"; treatment: a necessary evil; overcoming x constant alert. Participants represent health as absence of disease and health as something disabling. This representation meets the difficulty in identifying the symptoms of morbidity in early stages, seeking help only when symptoms were at an advanced stage and interfering in women\'s routine. Pregnancy was represented as a disease once the experience of Severe Maternal Morbidity overcame the experience of pregnancy. The Severe Maternal Morbidity was perceived as a negative experience related to the difficulties of treatment and hospitalization. It was also possible to identify in the women\'s speech the presence of fear, concern for the fetus, and frustration of idealized pregnancy, trauma, but also learning and a purpose of God as positive aspects of the experience. Because of the morbid event, women reported greater concern about health and change in some behaviors that may prevent relapse. Given these findings, we realize the importance of an effective monitoring prenatal and postpartum that provides a larger reflection on health and self-care besides offering more effective support for the difficulties and consequences of Severe Maternal Morbidity