Determinants of Maternal Mortality in Rural China

A case-control study of maternal mortality was conducted in selected rural areas of two provinces in China: Henan province, which has a relatively lower socio-economic status and higher maternal mortality rates, and Jiangsu province with higher socio-economic status and lower maternal mortality rates. The major cause of maternal mortality in the two provinces was postpartum hemorrhage and the largest proportion of deaths occurred on the road between the women's home and the health care facility. Results indicate that the expectant mother's socio-economic status, knowledge of maternal care, and the nature and level of maternal care provided all influence rural maternal death rates. However, socio-economic factors were only significant predictors of mortality in the poorer province. Implications for health policy and future research are discussed.