Essential Revisions in the Maternal Mortality Surveillance System: Lessons Learned From a Qualitative Study Publisher



Karimi A^{1, 2} ; Sadoughi F³ ; Majdzadeh R^{4, 5} Show Affiliations
Source: Acta Medica Mediterranea Published:2018

Abstract

Background: Iran has been able to achieve the MDG 5, but continued success in this direction seems to be difficult due to changes in the country's family planning policy, which is to increase the population. Therefore, it is important to determine the status of the Iranian Maternal Mortality Surveillance System (IMMSS) to identify its pros and cons and to try to improve its quality; this is the aim of this study. Methods: Using the content analysis approach, this qualitative study was conducted in 2016. It had two stages: the review of all related documents and the interviews of 15 key informants. The data were analyzed through framework analysis and the results were presented using a descriptive method. Results: The implementation of various programs, interventions to improve maternal health and the achievement of the MDG 5 were found to be the most important strengths of the IMMSS. There are several weaknesses in the system, including a lack of clear information about morbidities caused by pregnancy and birth, repeated maternal deaths due to similar causes and the lack of a system evaluation at the provincial level. Conclusions: We found that the IMMSS is useful. However, certain measures are recommended to improve the system performance quality. These are, for example, the establishment of a system for the surveillance of maternal morbidities and high-risk mothers, and the evaluation of a maternal mortality surveillance system at the provincial level. © 2018 A. CARBONE Editore. All rights reserved.