Causes of death, three delays, and factors associated with Delay 1 among maternal deaths in Myanmar: The maternal death surveillance in 2019.

Objective: The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Myanmar was the highest in Southeast Asia in 2017. The Three Delay Model is used to evaluate delays that contribute to maternal deaths. This study aims to identify MMR, causes of death, the three delays related to maternal deaths, and the factors associated with Delay 1, which is the time of delay in deciding to seek health care (from the start of the woman's illness to the time when the problem is recognized to be requiring care), in Myanmar.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study.

Participant: This study included 934 cases of maternal deaths reported from all states and regions throughout Myanmar in 2019 that were not caused by accidents and injuries.

Materials And Methods: Socio-demographic factors, obstetrical factors, information about deaths, and assessment of delays were obtained from the Maternal Death Surveillance and Response System, the database of maternal deaths. Distribution of maternal deaths by states and regions, causes of maternal death, and types of delay that contributed to maternal deaths were descriptively summarized. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with Delay 1 among 567 maternal deaths without any missing data and unknown information on delays.

Findings: In 2019, the MMR was 106 (95% confidence interval, 99-112) per 100,000 live births. Of the 934 maternal deaths, 80.5% of deaths had at least one delay, and Delay 1 was the major delay (72.9%). Eclampsia/pre-eclampsia (21.6%), postpartum hemorrhage (18.2%), and abortion-related complications (13.2%) were the major causes of maternal death. The husband's low education, low household income, unplanned pregnancy, and no antenatal care were associated with Delay 1.

Key Conclusions And Implication For Practice: The MMR was lower in 2019 than that in 2017 but remained high. Moreover, we demonstrate that most maternal deaths had at least one delay, mostly Delay 1. To prevent maternal deaths caused by Delay 1, the family planning should be promoted to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Educational training for healthcare providers who deliver antenatal care should be strengthened. Furthermore, education on the danger signs of pregnancy and during childbirth should be provided not only to pregnant women and their husbands in communities at health facilities.