Gestação não planejada: prevalência e fatores associados em usuárias do Sistema Único de Saúde em Passo Fundo-RS

Abstract

To analyze the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy according to sociodemographic and behavioral factors in users of the Unified Health System. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to August 2023 with women aged 18 or older, who had children up to 2 years old, receiving care in primary health care in the municipality of Passo Fundo, RS. Information of interest was collected through face-to-face interviews at four basic health units. The main outcome evaluated was the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy. Sociodemographic and behavioral issues were investigated as independent variables. Participation in family planning programs, counseling on contraceptive methods, sexually transmitted infections, and health care were also described. Descriptive statistics (n%) and analysis of the outcome's distribution according to independent variables were performed using the chi-square test with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The final sample consisted of 264 women, of whom 63% (95% CI 57-69) reported that their last pregnancy did not occur with prior planning. Statistically significant associations were demonstrated between the last unplanned pregnancy and marital status (p=0.015) and the use of contraceptive methods when discovering the last pregnancy (p<0.001). Approximately 94% of the sample reported never participating in family planning programs, although they were advised by health professionals on contraceptive methods (82.9%), health care (85.5%), and prevention of STIs (76.3%). Conclusion: The high prevalence of unplanned pregnancy demands the development of effective public policies that consider this issue within the context of the unified health system.