Factors associated with maternal mortality in Ica, Peru: A matched case-control study

INTRODUCTION Maternal mortality remains a significant challenge for public health globally, particularly in developing areas such as Ica, Peru. This study aims to analyze the risk factors contributing to maternal mortality in reference hospitals in Ica during the period of 2010 to 2020. METHODS A case-control study was conducted, including 49 cases of maternal deaths and 98 controls, applying multivariate logistic regression to analyze data collected from hospital records. RESULTS The absence of a partner (adjusted OR: 12.3; 95% CI: 2.6 to 58.8), history of anemia (adjusted OR: 5.8; 95% CI: 1.5 to 21.3), delays of more than two hours in accessing medical care (adjusted OR: 10.2; 95% CI: 2.0 to 51.1), and lack of knowledge of warning signs such as unrecognized vaginal bleeding by companions (adjusted OR: 7.4; 95% CI: 1.2 to 46.7) were associated with an increased risk of maternal mortality. CONCLUSIONS The identification of these factors highlights the urgent need to develop comprehensive strategies that optimize access to maternal health services and strengthen education on warning signs. To reduce preventable maternal mortality, it is essential to collaborate between the Ministry of Health of Peru and regional governments, aiming to expand coverage and improve the quality of prenatal care. Additionally, awareness should be increased and transportation availability ensured 24 hours a day for women experiencing obstetric complications. The main limitation of this study is the generalization of results due to the regional focus and exclusive use of hospital data.