LSTM Home > LSTM Research > LSTM Online Archive

Constructing maternal morbidity – towards a standard tool to measure and monitor maternal health beyond mortality

Chou, D, Tunçalp, Ö, Firoz, T, Barreix, M, Filipi, V, von Dadelszen, P, van den Broek, Nynke ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8523-2684, Cecatti, J G and Say, L (2016) 'Constructing maternal morbidity – towards a standard tool to measure and monitor maternal health beyond mortality'. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, Vol 16, Issue 45.

[img]
Preview
Text
Chou 2016.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (5MB) | Preview

Abstract

Background:
Maternal morbidity is a complex entity and its presentation and severity are on a spectrum. This paper describes the conceptualization and development of a definition for maternal morbidity, and the framework for its measurement: the maternal morbidity matrix, which is the foundation for measuring maternal morbidity, thus, the assessment tool.

Discussion:
We define maternal morbidity and associated disability as “any health condition attributed to and/or complicating pregnancy and childbirth that has a negative impact on the woman’s wellbeing and/or functioning.” A matrix of 121 conditions was generated through expert meetings, review of the International Classification of Diseases and related health problems (ICD-10), literature reviews, applying the definition of maternal morbidity and a cut-off of >0.1 % prevalence. This matrix has three dimensions: identified morbidity category, reported functioning impact and maternal history. The identification criteria for morbidity include 58 symptoms, 29 signs, 44 investigations and 35 management strategies; these criteria are aimed at recognizing the medical condition, or the functional impact/disability component that will capture the negative impact experienced by the woman.

Summary:
The maternal morbidity matrix is a practical framework for assessing maternal morbidity beyond nearmiss. In light of the emerging attention to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as part of the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) planning, a definition and standard identification criteria are essential to measuring its extent and impact.

Item Type: Article
Corporate Authors: Maternal Morbidity Working Group
Subjects: WA Public Health > Health Problems of Special Population Groups > WA 310 Maternal welfare
WA Public Health > Health Administration and Organization > WA 530 International health administration
WQ Obstetrics > WQ 20 Research (General)
WQ Obstetrics > Pregnancy Complications > WQ 240 Pregnancy complications (General)
Faculty: Department: Clinical Sciences & International Health > International Public Health Department
Digital Object Identifer (DOI): https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-015-0789-4
Depositing User: Caroline Hercod
Date Deposited: 10 Mar 2016 12:27
Last Modified: 06 Feb 2018 13:12
URI: https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/5739

Statistics

View details

Actions (login required)

Edit Item Edit Item