MATERNAL MORTALITY IN BRAZIL AND THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH: INEQUALITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR EQUITY

Abstract

Worldwide, women lose their lives as a result of complications related to pregnancy or childbirth. In Brazil, maternal mortality represents a complex public health problem influenced by multiple factors. This study aimed to describe the social determinants of health that influence maternal deaths in Brazil through an integrative literature review. The scientific project was conducted using the databases Virtual Health Library (VHL), PubMed, and Scopus, considering publications from 2020 to 2025. After applying the inclusion criteria, 28 articles were selected, comprising the final sample. The analysis revealed a strong association between maternal death and the social determinants of health. A higher maternal risk was observed among Black and Brown women, those with low educational attainment, and residents of the North and Northeast regions. The main preventable causes of death were aggravated by failures in access to and quality of prenatal care. It was concluded that clinical factors are intensified by social determinants, leading to weaknesses in the quality of maternal and child health care. The findings highlight the need for coordination among strategies that promote equity and strengthen prenatal care, through intersectoral actions involving health professionals and public managers.