Epidemiological profile of pregnant women and prenatal care quality in a healthcare center in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To understand the profile and assess the quality of care received by pregnant women, who gave birth in 2008, attending the Panorama healthcare centre (HC) in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state (RS). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out using pre-codified questionnaires applied at households and HCs investigating the mothers’ demographic reproductive characteristics and the healthcare received during antenatal period and delivery. Analysis consisted of frequency distribution of variables and their mean, median and standard deviations. Results: Amongst the 238 women interviewed, 20% were teenagers, 38% had at least nine years of schooling, three quarters were living with a partner and 40% had a paid job during gestational period; a quarter had family income of a minimum wage (average of US$ 350/month). Regarding their reproductive health, on average, menarche occurred at 13 years old, sexual intercourse started at 16 years old, 25% had already had an abortion and, by 19 years old, 60% had already given birth. Concerning prenatal care, 87% attended at least six medical appointments, three quarters started prenatal care in the first trimester of pregnancy and 85% received tetanus vaccine and iron supplementation during antenatal period. According to the Kessner Index modified by Takeda and Silveira, the antenatal care was considered adequate for 80% and 49% of all pregnant women, respectively. Conclusion: Panorama HC attends socioeconomic deprived pregnant women that started early antenatal care, performing a high amount of medical appointments, but, in general, the healthcare quality offered both during prenatal and delivery was unsatisfactory.