Avaliação da assistência pré-natal em mulheres acompanhadas em unidades básicas de saúde de Passo Fundo - RS

Abstract

Objective: To identify and analyze outcomes and factors related to inadequate prenatal care. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted from December 2022 to September 2023, using a questionnaire administered to women in the city of Passo Fundo/RS. The outcomes assessed were the provision of prenatal care and the timing of the initiation, with a 95% confidence interval. The analysis of outcome distribution according to independent variables was performed using the Chi-Square test and Fisher's Exact Test, with a statistical significance leve of 5%. Results: The sample comprised 256 women, predominantly aged 24 to 34 years (52.7%), with a white race/color (54.3%), in a relationship (77%), and with completed high school (45.7%). Of the participants, 99.2% reported having received prenatal care, with 72.3% starting in the first trimester. The most common comorbidities found were uterine tract infection (28.1%) and gestational hypertension (26.2%). When comparing early initiation of prenatal care, white women showed higher prevalences, and early initiation allowed for better adherence to the planned number of consultations. Conclusion: Racial inequalities continue to be predictors of health, related to inadequate prenatal care. However, proper follow-up is associated with better maternal and fetal outcomes. This study clarifies epidemiological and sociocultural characteristics that lead to inadequate follow-up, as well as possible outcomes related to the adequacy of prenatal care