Maternal mortality trends according to race in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2008 to 2021

Maternal mortality is a serious public health problem in Brazil, particularly in the state of Rio de Janeiro, which holds the worst position in the Southeast region. The objective of the study is to analyze maternal mortality trends according to its main causes and race in the state of Rio de Janeiro, from 2008 to 2021. It is an ecological time series study, with secondary data from health information systems. The classification of maternal causes of death was the ICD-MM, proposed by WHO. The annual percentage change was determined, using Joinpoint regression analysis. From 2008 to 2021, 2,522 maternal deaths occurred, with the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) ranging from 81.6 to 131.9 for every 100,000 live births (LB). The main trend pattern was stability for both total and race specific RMM, except for browns, whose RMM showed a decreasing trend between 2008 and 2016. Racial inequalities were evident, and MMR was highest for black women throughout the entire period. The current scenario is still far from that proposed by the Brazilian Ministry of Health of 30/100,000 LB by 2030, especially due to the influence of the pandemic and of racial inequalities on maternal health indicators.

Key words:
Maternal mortality; Cause of death; Health status disparities; Racial groups; Time series studies