Perfil epidemiológico da mortalidade materna no estado do maranhão, 2011 a 2020

To describe the epidemiological profile of maternal mortality occurring between 2011 and 2020 in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. This is an epidemiological, ecological, retrospective study with a quantitative approach. From 2011 to 2020, 994 maternal deaths were registered in Maranhão, Brazil. There was a significant upward trend in maternal mortality in the state, and we can see a slight decline in its coefficients. The research also showed that most of these women were young, single, brown, and with a high level of education. Direct obstetric causes were prevalent among the causes of death. The study points out that most of these deaths could be avoided through adequate prenatal care, i.e., unavoidable maternal death is a biological condition while avoidable maternal death is a social condition, meaning that a pregnant woman's health needs were not met. Our hope is that learning about the epidemiological profile of maternal mortality might raise awareness among researchers, managers, and professionals for the elaboration of social and economic policies to improve comprehensive, curative, and preventive care, thus ensuring higher safety and expanding the possibilities of maternal mortality avoidance in the state of Maranhão.