[Analysis of data routinely collected in the maternity ward of Rutshuru in the Democratic Republic of the Congo between 1980 and 1998. I. Maternal mortality and obstetrical interventions].

Unlabelled: This report is the first of 2 papers that analyse data routinely collected in the maternity ward of Rutshuru (democratic Republic of Congo). The present work describes the evolution of caesarean section, maternal deaths and the associated risk factors.

Material And Methodology: Between 1980 and 1998, data on 13,042 deliveries were collected. Characteristics, mortality, morbidity of mothers and new-borns and obstetrical interventions were recorded. The statistical analyses applied included khi2, t-test, simple linear and multiple logistic regression.

Results: Fifteen percent had a caesarean section and 1.9% of women died. When referred to the expected births during the period, these numbers led to a ratio of 150 maternal deaths for 100,000 expected births and a ratio of caesarean section of 1.2%. At admission, 35% of the women presented at least one of the four risk factors used for reference. The proportion of women with at least one of the 4 risk factors went up from 26.1% to 39.5%. The proportion of caesarean sections went up from 1.9% to 34.1%. The proportion of maternal deaths remained constant except in 1988, 1994, 1995 and 1997. Three of the four reference factors, the Baudeloque diameter, parity and height were associated with caesarean section. Age only was associated with maternal death. Education and marital status were both associated with caesarean section and maternal death.

Conclusion: This analysis shows high levels of maternal mortality and caesarean section. The authors recommend to analyse on a larger scale the value of the reference factors used in antenatal services and to standardise indications for the different obstetrical interventions.