Regional Disparities in Maternal Mortality Trends and Near-Miss Events in Latin America: A Multicenter Observational Study

This study examines recent trends in maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity (“near-miss” events) across selected Latin American countries. The objective is to analyze whether differences in human resource availability and diagnostic criteria affect maternal outcomes. Background includes persistent maternal mortality disparities in Latin America and the evolution of near-miss definitions adapted to regional contexts. The state-of-the-art reviews longitudinal mortality trends and compares CLAP/NAMO criteria with WHO standards. The problem statement identifies gaps in understanding systemic drivers of maternal outcomes. The research question investigates whether regions with higher health workforce densities and use of CLAP/NAMO definitions demonstrate lower maternal mortality ratios and more accurate near-miss detection than areas relying solely on WHO benchmarks. The hypothesis is that areas applying CLAP/NAMO criteria and with better-resourced health personnel exhibit significantly lower maternal mortality ratios and higher near-miss detection rates. A multicenter observational cohort design is used, integrating mortality registry data and prospective near-miss monitoring with ethical safeguards, timeline tracking, methodological triangulation, reliability and validity checks, modeling, variable specification, regression equations, and coefficient interpretation. Results based on current public health sources are presented in tables and enriched by quotations from clinicians. The discussion contrasts findings with WHO mortality trend reports and CLAP/NAMO validation studies. The conclusion outlines the study’s reach, limitations, and recommendations without citations. Five keywords are included.