Risk factors for maternal near-miss in an undeveloped province in south-central China, 2012–2022

Abstract

Objective

To explore the risk factors for maternal near-miss (MNM) using the WHO near-miss approach.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Maternal Near-Miss Surveillance System in Hunan Province, China, 2012–2022. Multivariate logistic regression analysis (method: Forward, Wald, α = 0.05) and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were used to identify risk factors for MNM.

Results

Our study included 780,359 women with 731,185 live births, a total of 2461 (0.32%) MNMs, 777,846 (99.68%) non-MNMs, and 52 (0.006%) maternal deaths were identified. The MNM ratio was 3.37‰ (95%CI: 3.23–3.50). Coagulation/hematological dysfunction was the most common cause of MNM (75.66%). Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed risk factors for MNM: maternal age > = 30 years old (aOR > 1, P < 0.05), unmarried women (aOR = 2.21, 95%CI: 1.71–2.85), number of pregnancies > = 2 (aOR > 1, P < 0.05), nulliparity (aOR = 1.51, 95%CI: 1.32–1.72) or parity > = 3 (aOR = 1.95, 95%CI: 1.50–2.55), prenatal examinations < 5 times (aOR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.01–1.27), and number of cesarean sections was 1 (aOR = 1.83, 95%CI: 1.64–2.04) or > = 2 (aOR = 2.48, 95%CI: 1.99–3.09).

Conclusion

The MNM ratio was relatively low in Hunan Province. Advanced maternal age, unmarried status, a high number of pregnancies, nulliparity or high parity, a low number of prenatal examinations, and cesarean sections were risk factors for MNM. Our study is essential for improving the quality of maternal health care and preventing MNM.