Maternal Mortality, Health Determinants, and Covid-19 in the Department of Meta, Colombia: A Cross-sectional Study

Maternal mortality is an important indicator of the quality of life and efficiency of the healthcare system of a country. Given that it is still a substantial public health concern in Colombia, we aimed to describe the determinants of health identified in maternal deaths registered at the Department of Meta, Colombia, from 2018 to 2021 and to understand their causes or underlying mechanisms by applying the SDH framework.

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using a quantitative approach and involved a review of databases from the maternal mortality epidemiological surveillance system in the Department of Meta during 2017–2022. The analysis involved a multinomial logistic regression to assess risk associations.

Overall, 59 patients were included, with an average age of 29.92 (range: 15–46) years and a median age of 30 years. Maternal mortality had a significant increase in its incidence during the pandemic, especially indirect causes. The logistic regression suggests low income, low educational level, low autonomy of women, being indigenous, and living in rural areas as possible associated factors.

There is evidence of a significant impact on maternal mortality due to COVID-19, reflecting the low response capacity of the Colombian health system and the difficulties of access and information for pregnant women. Further, indirect causes of death must be prioritized in the public health agenda.