Women's preference for a vaginal birth in Brazilian private hospitals: effects of a quality improvement project.

BACKGROUND: In 2015, a quality improvement project called "Adequate Childbirth Project" (PPA) was implemented in Brazilian private hospitals in order to reduce cesarean sections without clinical indication. The PPA is structured in four components, one of which is directed at women and families. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of PPA on women's preference for vaginal birth (VB) at the end of pregnancy. METHODS: Evaluative research conducted in 12 private hospitals participating in the PPA. Interviews were carried out in the immediate postpartum period and medical record data were collected at hospital discharge. The implementation of PPA activities and women's preference for type of birth at the beginning and end of pregnancy were compared in women assisted in the PPA model of care and in the standard of care model, using a chi-square statistical test. To estimate the effect of PPA on women's preference for VB at the end of pregnancy, multiple logistic regression was performed with selection of variables using a causal diagram. RESULTS: Four thousand seven hundred ninety-eight women were interviewed. The implementation of the planned activities of PPA was less than 50%, but were significantly more frequent among women assisted in the PPA model of care. Women in this group also showed a greater preference for VB at the beginning and end of pregnancy. The PPA showed an association with greater preference for VB at the end of pregnancy in primiparous (OR 2.54 95% CI 1.99-3.24) and multiparous women (OR 1.44 95% CI 0.97-2.12), although in multiparous this association was not significant. The main factor associated with the preference for VB at the end of pregnancy was the preference for this type of birth at the beginning of pregnancy, both in primiparous (OR 18.67 95% CI 14.22-24.50) and in multiparous women (OR 53.11 95% CI 37.31-75.60). CONCLUSIONS: The PPA had a positive effect on women's preference for VB at the end of pregnancy. It is plausible that more intense effects are observed with the expansion of the implementation of the planned activities. Special attention should be given to information on the benefits of VB in early pregnancy.

Cesarean rates have been increasing worldwide and constitute the most frequent type of childbirth in Brazil since 2009. In 2015, a quality improvement project was implemented in Brazilian private hospitals, with the objective of reducing medically unnecessary cesarean sections and increasing the number of vaginal births. This project, called "Adequate Childbirth Project" (PPA), has four components, one of which is directed at women and families, aiming to increase their participation in decision-making processes related to childbirth. In this study, we assessed whether this program contributed to increased preference for vaginal birth at the end of pregnancy. In previous studies in Brazil, we saw that women who maintained preference for vaginal birth throughout pregnancy were those who had the lowest proportion of cesarean sections. We found that the PPA increased preference for vaginal birth by almost three times in primiparous women. Among women with previous births, this increase was smaller. In this group of women, having a previous cesarean section was an important factor for not wanting a vaginal birth, and this is a very common condition in Brazil. For all women, having preference for vaginal birth at the beginning of pregnancy was the main factor in wanting this type of birth at the end of pregnancy. The results demonstrate the importance of educational activities that disseminate information about the benefits of vaginal birth, increasing the preference of women for this type of childbirth, in addition to supporting them throughout pregnancy, so that they feel empowered in their choice.

An implementation analysis of a quality improvement project to reduce cesarean section in Brazilian private hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Brazil has one of the highest prevalence of cesarean sections in the world. The private health system is responsible for carrying out most of these surgical procedures. A quality improvement project called Adequate Childbirth Project ("Projeto Parto Adequado"- PPA) was developed to identify models of care for labor and childbirth, which place value on vaginal birth and reduce the frequency of cesarean sections without a clinical indication. This research aims to evaluate the implementation of PPA in private hospitals in Brazil. METHOD: Evaluative hospital-based survey, carried out in 2017, in 12 private hospitals, including 4,322 women. We used a Bayesian network strategy to develop a theoretical model for implementation analysis. We estimated and compared the degree of implementation of two major driving components of PPA-"Participation of women" and "Reorganization of care" - among the 12 hospitals and according to type of hospital (belonging to a health insurance company or not). To assess whether the degree of implementation was correlated with the rate of vaginal birth data we used the Bayesian Network and compared the difference between the group "Exposed to the PPA model of care" and the group "Standard of care model". RESULTS: PPA had a low degree of implementation in both components "Reorganization of Care" (0.17 - 0.32) and "Participation of Women" (0.21 - 0.34). The combined implementation score was 0.39-0.64 and was higher in hospitals that belonged to a health insurance company. The vaginal birth rate was higher in hospitals with a higher degree of implementation of PPA. CONCLUSION: The degree of implementation of PPA was low, which reflects the difficulties in changing childbirth care practices. Nevertheless, PPA increased vaginal birth rates in private hospitals with higher implementation scores. PPA is an ongoing quality improvement project and these results demonstrate the need for changes in the involvement of women and the care offered by the provider.

The effects of a quality improvement project to reduce caesarean sections in selected private hospitals in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Brazil is one of the countries with the highest rates of caesarean sections (CS), reaching almost 90% of births in the private sector. A quality improvement project called "Adequate Childbirth Project (PPA)" was conceived to reduce CS in the private sector. This project consisted of four primary components: "Governance", "Participation of Women", "Reorganization of Care" and "Monitoring". This paper aims to evaluate: (1) which specific activities of the PPA had the largest effect on the probability of a woman having a vaginal delivery; (2) which primary component of the PPA had the largest effect on the probability of vaginal delivery and (3) which scenarios combining the implementation of different activities planned in the PPA had a higher effect on the probability of vaginal delivery. METHODS: A sample of 12 private hospitals participating in the PPA was evaluated. We used a Bayesian Network (BN) to capture both non-linearities and complex cause-effect relations. The BN integrated knowledge from experts and data from women to estimate 26 model parameters. The PPA was evaluated in 2473 women belonging to groups 1-4 of the Robson classification, who were divided into two groups: those participating or not participating in the PPA. RESULTS: The probability of a woman having a vaginal delivery was 37.7% higher in women participating in the PPA. The most important component of the project that led to an increase in the probability of vaginal delivery was "Reorganization of Care", leading to a 73% probability of vaginal delivery among women in labor. The activity that had the greatest effect on the type of delivery was access to best practices during labor, with a 72% probability of vaginal delivery. Considering the 12 scenarios combining the different activities of the PPA, the best scenarios included: a non-scheduled delivery, access to information about best practices, access to at least 4 best practices during labor and respect of the birth plan, with an 80% probability of vaginal delivery in the best combinations. CONCLUSION: PPA has been shown to be an effective quality improvement program, increasing the likelihood of vaginal delivery in private Brazilian hospitals.

INTRODUCTION: Brazil boasts one of the highest rates of caesarean sections (CS) globally, with nearly 90% of births in private facilities being delivered via CS. In response, the 'Adequate Childbirth Project ­ PPA' was launched as a quality improvement initiative aimed at curbing CS rates in private healthcare. Its goal is to improve the quality of childbirth and reduce the number of CS in private healthcare. The project has four main parts: 'Governance', 'Participation of Women', 'Reorganization of Care', and 'Monitoring'. METHOD: an evaluative study was conducted across 12 private hospitals involved in the PPA, involving 2473 women who were categorized into PPA participants and non-participants. They used a method called a cause-effect network to see which parts of the PPA helped more women have vaginal deliveries. RESULTS: They found that women in the PPA were 37.7% more likely to have a vaginal delivery. Giving women access to good practices during labor and birth was really important. Also, 'Reorganization of Care' was the most important part of the project. It led to a 73% chance of vaginal delivery for women in labor. CONCLUSION: The PPA is effective in helping more women in private hospitals have vaginal deliveries. This means it's a good program for improving childbirth in Brazil's private hospitals.

Breastfeeding in the first hour of life in Brazilian private hospitals participating in a quality-of-care improvement project.

BACKGROUND: The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative's Step 4 recommends: "support mothers to start breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth", thus contributing to the reduction of neonatal mortality. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of breastfeeding in the first hour of life in private maternity hospitals participating in the "Adequate Childbirth Project", a quality-of-care improvement project, and to analyze determinants of this outcome. METHODS: Secondary analysis of data collected by the cross-sectional evaluative "Healthy Birth Study", conducted in 2017 in 12 maternity hospitals participating in the Adequate Childbirth Project, where 4800 mothers were interviewed, and hospital records were observed. Conditions that prevented breastfeeding at birth, such as maternal HIV-infection and newborns' severe malformations, were excluded. Multiple logistic regression was performed according to a hierarchical theoretical model. RESULTS: The prevalence of breastfeeding in the first hour of life was 58% (CI 95% 56.6-59.5%). Lower maternal education (aOR 0.643; CI 95% 0.528-0.782), lower economic status (aOR 0.687; CI 95% 0.504-0.935), cesarean section delivery (ORa 0.649; CI 95% 0.529-0.797), preterm birth (aOR 0.660; CI 95% 0.460-0.948) and non-rooming-in at birth (aOR 0.669; CI 95% 0.559-0.800) were negatively associated with the outcome. Receiving information during prenatal care about the importance of breastfeeding at birth (aOR 2.585; CI 95% 2.102-3.179), being target of the quality-of-care improvement project (aOR 1.273; CI 95% 1.065-1.522), skin-to-skin contact at birth (aOR 2.127; CI 95% 1.791-2.525) and female newborn (aOR 1.194; CI 95% 1.008-1.415) were factors positively associated with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The private maternities participating in the Healthy Birth Study showed a good prevalence of breastfeeding in the first hour of life, according to WHO parameters. Prenatal guidance on breastfeeding at birth, being target of the quality-of-care improvement project and skin-to-skin contact at birth contributed to breastfeeding in the first hour of life.

Evaluation of labor and childbirth care by nurse-midwives in Brazilian private hospitals: results of a quality improvement project.

BACKGROUND: In 2015, a quality improvement project-the "Adequate Childbirth Project" (Projeto Parto Adequado, or PPA)-was implemented in Brazilian private hospitals with the goal of reducing unnecessary cesarean sections. One of the strategies adopted by the PPA was the implementation of labor and childbirth care by nurse-midwives. The objective of this study is to evaluate the results of the PPA in the implementation and adequacy of labor and childbirth care by nurse-midwives in Brazilian private hospitals. METHODS: Cross-sectional, hospital-based study, carried out in 2017, in 12 hospitals participating in the PPA. We assessed the proportion of women assisted by nurse-midwives during labor and childbirth care and the adequacy of 13 care practices following parameters of the World Health Organization. Women assisted in the PPA model of care and in the standard of care model were compared using the chi-square statistical test. RESULTS: 4798 women were interviewed. Women in the PPA model of care had a higher proportion of labor (53% × 24.2%, p value < 0.001) and vaginal birth (32.7% × 11.3%, p value < 0.001), but no significant differences were observed in the proportion of women assisted by nurse-midwives during labor (54.8% × 50.1%, p value = 0.191) and vaginal birth (2.2% × 0.7%, p value = 0.142). The implementation of recommended practices was adequate, except the use of epidural analgesia for pain relief, which was intermediate. There was a greater use of recommended practices including "oral fluid and food", "maternal mobility and position", "monitoring of labor", "use of non-pharmacological methods for pain relief" and "epidural analgesia for pain relief" in women assisted by nurse-midwives in relation to those assisted only by doctors. Many non-recommended practices were frequently used during labor by nurse-midwives and doctors. CONCLUSIONS: There was an increase in the proportion of women with labor and vaginal birth in the PPA model of care and an appropriate use of recommended practices in women assisted by nurse-midwives. However, there was no difference in the proportion of women assisted by nurse-midwives in the two models of care. The expansion of nursing participation and the reduction of overused practices remain challenges.

Brazil has a high rate of cesarean sections with low participation of nurse-midwives in childbirth care. Nurse-midwife care is associated with less use of interventions, lower proportions of cesarean sections and greater women's satisfaction. In 2015, a quality improvement project, called the "Adequate Childbirth Project" (Projeto Parto Adequado, PPA), was implemented in Brazilian private hospitals to reduce unnecessary cesarean sections. One of its components is the expansion of nurse-midwives in labor and childbirth care. In this study, we evaluated the results of PPA on childbirth care by nurse-midwives. Data were collected in 12 hospitals with interviews with 4798 women. Women assisted in the PPA model of care had a higher proportion of labor and vaginal birth, but there was no increase in the proportion of women assisted by nurse-midwives, neither during labor nor vaginal birth. The use of recommended practices was adequate, except for the use of epidural analgesia, with greater use of some recommended practices in women assisted by nurse-midwives compared to those seen only by doctors. However, we observed excessive use of non-recommended practices during labor, both by doctors and nurses. We can conclude that there was an increase in the proportion of women with labor and vaginal birth in the PPA model of care and a greater use of recommended practices in women assisted by nurse-midwives, but without an increase in the proportion of women assisted by nurses. The expansion of nurse-midwives' participation in childbirth care and the reduction of non-recommended practices therefore continue to be challenges.

Care at the first postnatal hour in two hospitals of the Adequate Birth Project: qualitative analysis of experiences in two stages of the Healthy Birth research.

BACKGROUND:  The Adequate Childbirth Project (PPA) is a quality improvement project that aims to enhance normal delivery and reduce cesarean sections with no clinical indication in the Brazilian supplementary health care system. This study aims to analyze the care model of the first postpartum hour in hospitals that participated in the PPA. METHODS: Qualitative analysis based on the narrative of 102 women attended at two hospitals participating in the evaluative "Healthy Birth" research that analyzed the degree of implementation and the effects of the PPA. We assessed three practices within the first hour after delivery: skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding and appropriate clamping of the umbilical cord. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews by telephone and submitted to thematic content analysis. RESULTS: The categories that emerged from the analysis of the results were "Dimension of time and care expressed in the lived experience" and "Interferences in care in the first hour of life". In the first category, women reported that in the first hour after delivery the newborn was placed on the mother's chest, but the length of time of the newborn's stay in skin-to-skin contact was less than one hour. This experience, even in a shorter period of time, was said to be positive by the women interviewed. Two barriers were observed: interruption of skin-to-skin contact for neonatal care and the transfer to the recovery room, both separating baby from mother without observing the duration of the "golden hour". It was identified that a process of improvement of the quality of care for childbirth is underway, with a gradual incorporation of recommended practices for care in newborn's first hour of life. CONCLUSIONS: Women reported access to the three care practices at two hospitals participating in the PPA quality improvement project. All practices were valued by women as a positive experience and should be promoted. Information during antenatal care to increase women´s autonomy, review of hospital practices to reduce barriers, and support from health care providers during the first hour after birth are needed to improve the implementation of these practices and access to their health benefits.

This study aims to analyze the care model of the first postpartum hour offered by two hospitals participating in the Adequate Childbirth Project (PPA), a quality improvement project to enhance normal delivery and reduce unnecessary cesarean sections in Brazilian private hospital. It is a qualitative analysis, based on the narrative of 102 women attended at two hospitals participating in the PPA. Categories that emerged from the analysis: "First hour; dimension of time and care expressed in the lived experience" and "Interferences in care in the first hour of life". Most women expressed a chronological time of skin-to-skin contact far from the ideal recommended in the first postpartum hour; however, they valued the experience and its meaning. Two barriers were observed in this care process: the interruption of skin-to-skin contact for neonatal care and the transfer to the recovery room, without observing the duration of the "golden hour". We can conclude that women evaluated the service positively, with indications that point to the sustainability of the PPA. Information during antenatal care to increase women´s autonomy are needed to improve the implementation of these practices and access to their health benefits.

Women's voice on changes in childbirth care practices: a qualitative approach to women's experiences in Brazilian private hospitals participating in the Adequate Childbirth Project.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, childbirth practices are strongly marked by surgical events and particularly in the private sector cesarean sections reach rates above 80%. The National Supplementary Health Agency proposed the Adequate Childbirth Project (PPA), a quality improvement project developed at Brazilian hospitals with the aim of changing the current model of childbirth care and reducing unnecessary cesarean sections. The objective of this study is to assess how the participation of women in the process of improving quality childbirth care occurred in two hospitals participating in the PPA. METHOD: Qualitative study, based on interviews with 102 women attended at two hospitals that took part in the first and second stages of the "Healthy Birth", an evaluative hospital-based research, conducted in 2017-2018, that assessed the degree of implementation and the effects of PPA. After thematic content analysis, supported by MaxQda software, three categories emerged: (1) how women gathered knowledge about the PPA, (2) how women perceived it, and (3) which are their suggestions for the PPA improvement. RESULTS: The PPA was unknown to most women before delivery. A polysemy of terms, including adequate childbirth, promotes recognition of the "new" model of care. Visits to the maternity hospital and antenatal care groups for pregnant women are opportunities for contacts that change the perception of what childbirth can be. Women have expectations of a relationship with maternity that is not limited to the moment of delivery. The listening channels established between hospitals and women are fragile and not systematized. By increasing the supply of listening spaces, one can also increase the request to leave their suggestions and contributions, and thus gain more allies in improving the project. Women are not yet included as PPA agents and their voices are silenced. CONCLUSIONS: Women's participation to improve childbirth care is relevant and necessary. The women's voice in the PPA is still incipient, and maternity hospitals and health plan operators should create strategies to insert and engage them. Women's voices should be listened to not only during but also before and after childbirth.

In Brazil, childbirth practices are strongly marked by surgical events and particularly in the private sector cesarean sections reach rates above 80%. The Adequate Childbirth Project (PPA) is a quality improvement project developed at Brazilian hospitals with the aim of changing the current model of childbirth care and reducing unnecessary cesarean sections. A qualitative study was developed in order to understand how hospitals have included the participation of women in the PPA. Based on interviews with 102 women, the present study shows that the PPA was unknown to most women before delivery. A polysemy of terms, including adequate childbirth, promotes recognition of the "new" model of care. Visits to the hospital and antenatal care groups for pregnant women are opportunities for contacts that change the perception of what childbirth can be. Women's participation to improve childbirth care is relevant and necessary. The women's voice in the PPA is still incipient and women are not yet included as agents of change, and their voices are silenced. Hospitals and health plan operators should create strategies to engage them. Women's voices may be listened to not only during but also before and after childbirth.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of a quality improvement program to reduce caesarean sections in Brazilian private hospitals: a case study.

BACKGROUND: In 2015, a quality improvement project of childbirth care called Adequate Childbirth Project ("Projeto Parto Adequado"- PPA) was implemented in Brazilian public and private hospitals, aiming to improve the quality of childbirth care and to reduce caesarean sections without clinical indications. The objective of this study is to conduct an economic analysis of two models of care existing in a private Brazilian hospital-the model following the recommendations of the PPA and the standard of care model-in reducing the proportion of caesarean sections. METHODS: We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis using data from one of the private hospitals included in the PPA project. The main outcome was the proportion of caesarean section. We used total cost of hospitalization for women and newborns, from the health care sector perspective, during the length of the observed hospital stay. We did not apply discount rates and inflation rate adjustments due to the short time horizon. We conducted univariate sensitivity analysis using the minimum and maximum costs observed in hospitalizations and variation in the probabilities of caesarean section and of maternal and neonatal complications. RESULTS: 238 puerperal women were included in this analysis. The PPA model of care resulted in a 56.9 percentage point reduction in the caesarean section probability (88.6% vs 31.7%, p < 0.001) with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of US$1,237.40 per avoided caesarean section. Women in the PPA model of care also had a higher proportion of spontaneous and induced labor and a lower proportion of early term births. There were no maternal, fetal or neonatal deaths and no significant differences in cases of maternal and neonatal near miss. The cost of uncomplicated vaginal births and caesarean sections was the parameter with the greatest impact on the cost-effectiveness ratio of the PPA model of care. CONCLUSION: The PPA model of care was cost-effective in reducing caesarean sections in women assisted in a Brazilian private hospital. Moreover, it reduced the frequency of early term births and did not increase the occurrence of severe negative maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Evaluation of a quality improvement intervention for labour and birth care in Brazilian private hospitals: a protocol.

BACKGROUND: In Brazilian private hospitals, caesarean section (CS) is almost universal (88%) and is integrated into the model of birth care. A quality improvement intervention, "Adequate Birth" (PPA), based on four driving components (governance, participation of women and families, reorganisation of care, and monitoring), has been implemented to help 23 hospitals reduce their CS rate. This is a protocol designed to evaluate the implementation of PPA and its effectiveness at reducing CS as a primary outcome of birth care. METHODS: Case study of PPA intervention conducted in 2017/2018. We integrated quantitative and qualitative methods into data collection and analysis. For the quantitative stage, we selected a convenient sample of twelve hospitals. In each of these hospitals, we included 400 women. This resulted in a total sample of 4800 women. We used this sample to detect a 2.5% reduction in CS rate. We interviewed managers and puerperal women, and extracted data from hospital records. In the qualitative stage, we evaluated a subsample of eight hospitals by means of systematic observation and semi-structured interviews with managers, health professionals and women. We used specific forms for each of the four PPA driving components. Forms for managers and professionals addressed the decision-making process, implemented strategies, participatory process in strategy design, and healthcare practice. Forms for women and neonatal care addressed socio-economic, demographic and health condition; prenatal and birth care; tour of the hospital before delivery; labour expectation vs. real experience; and satisfaction with care received. We will estimate the degree of implementation of PPA strategies related to two of the four driving components: "participation of women and families" and "reorganisation of care". We will then assess its effect on CS rate and secondary outcomes for each of the twelve selected hospitals, and for the total sample. To allow for clinical, socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics in women, we will conduct multivariate analysis. Additionally, we will evaluate the influence of internal context variables (the PPA driving components "governance" and "monitoring") on the degree of implementation of the components "participation of women and families" and "reorganisation of care", by means of thematic content analysis. This analysis will include both quantitative and qualitative data. DISCUSSION: The effectiveness of quality improvement interventions that reduce CS rates requires examination. This study will identify strategies that could promote healthier births.

Management of syphilis in pregnancy: Knowledge and practices of health care providers and barriers to the control of disease in Teresina, Brazil.

AIMS: The aim of the study is to verify the knowledge and practices of health professionals working in prenatal care (PNC) related with syphilis during pregnancy and to identify the main barriers to the implementation of protocols for the control of this disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in Teresina, Brazil, from January to May 2015, was conducted with 366 physicians and nurses working in PNC, corresponding to 70% of eligible professionals. We evaluated 20 knowledge and practice criteria related to the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis during pregnancy with a 95% compliance standard. We performed descriptive analysis of the data and used χ2 statistical test to verify differences according to professional category. RESULTS: Only 2 criteria, "knowledge about mother to child transmission according to gestational age" and "counselling on infection," reached 95% compliance. Knowledge of the epidemiological profile of congenital syphilis and the goal of elimination of congenital syphilis and knowledge about serological tests had scores below 50%, while practices related with posttest counselling, cure control, and treatment of partners reached 60%. We identified organisational barriers related to the late initiation of PNC, to the delayed return of syphilis test results, to the application of benzathine penicillin in primary care units and to the treatment of partners. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies for early initiation of PNC, implementation of rapid tests for syphilis, ensuring treatment of pregnant women with penicillin, adequate partner treatment, and continued education of health professionals on clinical management and counselling in sexually transmitted diseases are necessary to eliminate congenital syphilis.

Factors associated with maternal near miss in childbirth and the postpartum period: findings from the birth in Brazil National Survey, 2011-2012.

BACKGROUND: Maternal near-miss (MNM) audits are considered a useful approach to improving maternal healthcare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with maternal near-miss cases in childbirth and the postpartum period in Brazil. METHODS: The study is based on data from a nationwide hospital-based survey of 23,894 women conducted in 2011-2012. The data are from interviews with mothers during the postpartum period and from hospital medical files. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to analyze factors associated with MNM, including estimation of crude and adjusted odds ratios and their respective 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI). RESULTS: The estimated incidence of MNM was 10.2/1,000 live births (95 % CI: 7.5-13.7). In the adjusted analyses, MNM was associated with the absence of antenatal care (OR: 4.65; 95 % CI: 1.51-14.31), search for two or more services before admission to delivery care (OR: 4.49; 95 % CI: 2.12-9.52), obstetric complications (OR: 9.29; 95 % CI: 6.69-12.90), and type of birth: elective C-section (OR: 2.54; 95 % CI: 1.67-3.88) and forceps (OR: 9.37; 95 % CI: 4.01-21.91). Social and demographic maternal characteristics were not associated with MNM, although women who self-reported as white and women with higher schooling had better access to antenatal and maternity care services. CONCLUSION: The high proportion of elective C-sections performed among women in better social and economic situations in Brazil is likely attenuating the benefits that could be realized from improved prenatal care and greater access to maternity services. Strategies for reducing the rate of MNM in Brazil should focus on: 1) increasing access to prenatal care and delivery care, particularly among women who are at greater social and economic risk and 2) reducing the rate of elective cesarean section, particularly among women who receive services at private maternity facilities, where C-section rates reach 90 % of births.

Use of Robson classification to assess cesarean section rate in Brazil: the role of source of payment for childbirth.

BACKGROUND: Cesarean section (CS) rates are increasing worldwide but there is some concern with this trend because of potential maternal and perinatal risks. The Robson classification is the standard method to monitor and compare CS rates. Our objective was to analyze CS rates in Brazil according to source of payment for childbirth (public or private) using the Robson classification. METHODS: Data are from the 2011-2012 "Birth in Brazil" study, which used a national hospital-based sample of 23,940 women. We categorized all women into Robson groups and reported the relative size of each Robson group, the CS rate in each group and the absolute and relative contributions made by each to the overall CS rate. Differences were analyzed through chi-square and Z-test with a significance level of < 0.05. RESULTS: The overall CS rate in Brazil was 51.9 % (42.9 % in the public and 87.9 % in the private health sector). The Robson groups with the highest impact on Brazil's CS rate in both public and private sectors were group 2 (nulliparous, term, cephalic with induced or cesarean delivery before labor), group 5 (multiparous, term, cephalic presentation and previous cesarean section) and group 10 (cephalic preterm pregnancies), which accounted for more than 70 % of CS carried out in the country. High-risk women had significantly greater CS rates compared with low-risk women in almost all Robson groups in the public sector only. CONCLUSIONS: Public policies should be directed at reducing CS in nulliparous women, particularly by reducing the number of elective CS in these women, and encouraging vaginal birth after cesarean to reduce repeat CS in multiparous women.

Adequacy of public maternal care services in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, hospital childbirth care is available to all, but differences in access and quality of care result in inequalities of maternal health. The objective of this study is to assess the infrastructure and staffing of publicly financed labor and birth care in Brazil and its adequacy according to clinical and obstetric conditions potentially associated with obstetric emergencies. METHODS: Nationwide cross-sectional hospital-based study "Birth in Brazil: national survey into labor and birth" conducted in 2011-2012. Data from 209 hospitals classified as public (public funding and management) or mixed (public or private funding and private management) that generate estimates for 1148 Brazilian hospitals. Interview with hospital managers provided data for the structure adequacy assessment covering four domains: human resources, medications, equipment for women emergency care and support services. We conducted analysis of the structure adequacy rate according to type of hospital (public or mixed), availability of ICU and the woman obstetric risk using the X 2 test to detect differences in categorical variables with the level of statistical significance set at p <0.05. RESULTS: Global rate of adequacy of 34.8 %: 42.2 % in public hospitals and 29.0 % in mixed hospitals (p < 0.001). Public and mixed hospitals with ICU had higher scores of adequacy than hospitals without ICU (73.3 % × 24.4 % public hospitals; 40.3 % × 10.6 % mixed hospitals). At a national level, 32.8 % of women with obstetric risk were cared for in hospitals without ICU and 29.5 % of women without risk were cared for in hospitals with ICU. Inequalities were observed with the North, Northeast and non-capital regions having the lower rates of hospitals with ICU. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of maternity wards across the country have a low rate of adequacy that can affect the quality of labor and birth care. This holds true for women at high obstetric risk, who suffer the possibility of having their care compromised by failures of hospital infrastructure, and for women at low obstetric risk, who may not receive the appropriate care to support the natural evolution of their labor when in a technological hospital environment.

Factors associated with cesarean delivery during labor in primiparous women assisted in the Brazilian Public Health System: data from a National Survey.

BACKGROUND: The rate of cesarean delivery (CD) in Brazil has increased over the past 40 years. The CD rate in public services is three times above the World Health Organization recommended values. Among strategies to reduce CD, the most important is reduction of primary cesarean. This study aimed to describe factors associated with CD during labor in primiparous women with a single cephalic pregnancy assisted in the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS). METHODS: This study is part of the Birth in Brazil survey, a national hospital-based study of 23,894 postpartum women and their newborns. The rate of CD in primiparous women was estimated. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression was performed to analyze factors associated with CD during labor in primiparous women with a single cephalic pregnancy, including estimation of crude and adjusted odds ratios and their respective 95 % confidence intervals. RESULTS: The analyzed data are related to the 2814 eligible primiparous women who had vaginal birth or CD during labor in SUS hospitals. In adjusted analyses, residing in the Southeast region was associated with lower CD during labor. Occurrence of clinical and obstetric conditions potentially related to obstetric emergencies before delivery, early admission with < 4 cm of dilatation, a decision late in pregnancy for CD, and the use of analgesia were associated with a greater risk for CD. Favorable advice for vaginal birth during antenatal care, induction of labor, and the use of any good practices during labor were protective factors for CD. The type of professional who attended birth was not significant in the final analyses, but bivariate analysis showed a higher use of good practices and a smaller proportion of epidural analgesia in women cared for by at least one nurse midwife. CONCLUSIONS: The CD rate in primiparous women in SUS in Brazil is extremely high and can compromise the health of these women and their newborns. Information and support for vaginal birth during antenatal care, avoiding early admission, and promoting the use of good practices during labor assistance can reduce unnecessary CD. Considering the experience of other countries, incorporation of nurse midwives in childbirth care may increase the use of good practices during labor.

Prevalence and risk factors related to preterm birth in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The rate of preterm birth has been increasing worldwide, including in Brazil. This constitutes a significant public health challenge because of the higher levels of morbidity and mortality and long-term health effects associated with preterm birth. This study describes and quantifies factors affecting spontaneous and provider-initiated preterm birth in Brazil. METHODS: Data are from the 2011-2012 "Birth in Brazil" study, which used a national population-based sample of 23,940 women. We analyzed the variables following a three-level hierarchical methodology. For each level, we performed non-conditional multiple logistic regression for both spontaneous and provider-initiated preterm birth. RESULTS: The rate of preterm birth was 11.5 %, (95 % confidence 10.3 % to 12.9 %) 60.7 % spontaneous - with spontaneous onset of labor or premature preterm rupture of membranes - and 39.3 % provider-initiated, with more than 90 % of the last group being pre-labor cesarean deliveries. Socio-demographic factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth were adolescent pregnancy, low total years of schooling, and inadequate prenatal care. Other risk factors were previous preterm birth (OR 3.74; 95 % CI 2.92-4.79), multiple pregnancy (OR 16.42; 95 % CI 10.56-25.53), abruptio placentae (OR 2.38; 95 % CI 1.27-4.47) and infections (OR 4.89; 95 % CI 1.72-13.88). In contrast, provider-initiated preterm birth was associated with private childbirth healthcare (OR 1.47; 95 % CI 1.09-1.97), advanced-age pregnancy (OR 1.27; 95 % CI 1.01-1.59), two or more prior cesarean deliveries (OR 1.64; 95 % CI 1.19-2.26), multiple pregnancy (OR 20.29; 95 % CI 12.58-32.72) and any maternal or fetal pathology (OR 6.84; 95 % CI 5.56-8.42). CONCLUSION: The high proportion of provider-initiated preterm birth and its association with prior cesarean deliveries and all of the studied maternal/fetal pathologies suggest that a reduction of this type of prematurity may be possible. The association of spontaneous preterm birth with socially-disadvantaged groups reaffirms that the reduction of social and health inequalities should continue to be a national priority.

Prenatal testing and prevalence of HIV infection during pregnancy: data from the "Birth in Brazil" study, a national hospital-based study.

BACKGROUND: The rate of vertical HIV transmission has decreased in Brazil, but regional inequalities suggest problems in implementing control measures during pregnancy and delivery. The aims of this study were to ascertain the coverage of HIV testing during prenatal care and estimate the prevalence of HIV infection during pregnancy in Brazil. METHODS: This was a national hospital-based study of 23,894 women that was conducted in 2011-2012. The data came from interviews with mothers during postpartum hospitalization, from hospital medical files and from prenatal cards. All the pregnant women with reactive serological results for HIV infection marked on their cards or with diagnoses of HIV infection during the hospital stay for delivery were considered cases of HIV infection. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were performed to investigate factors associated with the prevalence of HIV infection and with performing at least one HIV test during pregnancy. RESULTS: Among participating women, the coverage of testing for HIV infection was 81.7% among those who presented with prenatal card and the prevalence of HIV infection among pregnant women was 0.4% (95% CI: 0.32-0.51%). In the adjusted analysis, there was higher coverage of testing among women living in the South and Southeast regions; of women aged 35 years and over; with greater schooling levels; who self-reported as white; with prenatal care provided in private services; with an early start to prenatal care; and with an adequate number of consultations, defined as a minimum of six for a term pregnancy. In the adjusted analyses there was a greater odds ratio of HIV infection among women living in the South region, aged 35 years and over, with schooling of less than 8 years, who self-reported race as black, without a partner, with syphilis coinfection and who were attended by public services. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HIV infection among pregnant women in Brazil remains below 1% and the coverage of testing for HIV infection is over 80%. However, the regional and social inequalities in access to healthcare services and the missed opportunities for diagnoses of HIV infection indicate the importance of strengthening HIV infection control programs during pregnancy.

[Adequacy of prenatal care according to maternal characteristics in Brazil]. / Adequação da assistência pré-natal segundo as características maternas no Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the degree of adequacy of prenatal care in Brazil and to determine whether it is associated with sociodemographic characteristics of women. METHODS: This nationwide hospital-based study was performed with 23 894 women in 2011 and 2012. Data were obtained from interviews with puerperal women and from the prenatal card recording prenatal care appointments. Adequate prenatal care was defined as that started no later than the 12th gestational week, with performance of at least six consultations (with number of consultations adjusted for gestational age at delivery), record in the prenatal card of at least one result for each of the recommended routine prenatal tests, and guidance regarding the maternity hospital for delivery. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to verify the association between maternal characteristics and the adequacy of prenatal care. RESULTS: Early onset of prenatal care was observed in 53.9% of participants, adequate number of consultations in 73.2%, record of at least one of each recommended test in 62.9%, guidance regarding maternity hospital in 58.7%, and overall adequate prenatal care in 21.6%. Less adequate prenatal care was observed in women who were younger, black, multiparous, who did not have a partner, without paid employment, having fewer years of formal schooling, belonging to lower socioeconomic classes, and living in the North and Northeast of Brazil. After adjustment of maternal characteristics, no differences were observed between public or private health care services regarding adequacy of prenatal care. CONCLUSIONS: Even though the coverage of prenatal care is virtually universal in Brazil, regional and social differences in the access and adequacy of care still persist. The implementation of strategies to facilitate early access to prenatal care is essential.

Maternal health surveillance panel: a tool for expanding epidemiological surveillance of women's health and its determinants.

OBJECTIVE: To present the methodology used in the development of two products for maternal health surveillance and its determinants and discuss their possible uses. METHODS: Based on a theoretical model of the determinants of maternal death and databases of Brazilian health information systems, two free products were developed: an interactive panel "surveillance of maternal health" and an educational material "Aparecida: a story about the vulnerability of Brazilian women to maternal death", both available on the website of the Brazilian Obstetric Observatory. RESULTS: More than 30 indicators were calculated for the period 2012-2020, containing information on socioeconomic conditions and access to health services, reproductive planning, prenatal care, delivery care, conditions of birth and maternal mortality and morbidity. The indicators related to severe maternal morbidity in public hospitalizations stand out, calculated for the first time for the country. The panel allows analysis by municipality or aggregated by health region, state, macro-region and country; historical series analysis; and comparisons across locations and with benchmarks. Information quality data are presented and discussed in an integrated manner with the indicators. In the educational material, visualizations with national and international data are presented, aiming to help in the understanding of the determinants of maternal death and facilitate the interpretation of the indicators. CONCLUSION: It is expected that the two products have the potential to expand epidemiological surveillance of maternal health and its determinants, contributing to the formulation of health policies and actions that promote women's health and reduce maternal mortality.

Validation study of obstetric hospitalization data held on the Brazilian National Health System Hospital Information System for maternal morbidity surveillance: Brazil, 2021-2022.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the Brazilian National Health System Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS) for maternal morbidity surveillance. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2021/2022, taking as its reference a national study on maternal morbidity (MMG) conducted in 50 public and 28 private hospitals; we compared SIH/SUS and MMG data for hospitalization frequency, reason and type of discharge and calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios for seven diagnoses and four procedures. RESULTS: Hospitalizations identified on SIH/SUS (32,212) corresponded to 95.1% of hospitalizations assessed by MMG (33,867), with lower recording on SIH/SUS (85.5%) for private hospitals [10,036 (SIH/SUS)]; 11,742 (MMG)]; compared to MMG, SIH/SUS had a lower proportion of hospitalizations due to "complications during pregnancy" (9.7% versus 16.5%) as well as under-recording of all diagnoses and procedures assessed, except "ectopic pregnancy". CONCLUSION: Better recording of diagnoses and procedures on SIH/SUS is essential for its use in maternal morbidity surveillance.

Induced abortion incidence and associated factors in a cohort of women living with HIV in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, 1996-2016.

BACKGROUND: Abortion is a public health problem in Latin America and is more common among women living with HIV. OBJECTIVE: to verify the incidence and factors associated with induced abortion in a cohort of women living with HIV assisted in a reference service for care for individuals with HIV/AIDS in Rio de Janeiro/Brazil. METHODS: Prospective cohort during the period 1996-2016. We estimated the incidence of induced abortions during follow-up in the cohort by calculating person-time incidence rates [per 100 persons-years (PY)] and investigated the factors associated with the outcome "induced abortion" using a generalized linear mixed model. RESULTS: 753 women and 210 pregnancies were included in the present analysis. We estimated an induced abortion incidence rate of 0.68/100 persons-years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47; 0.94) in the study period, with a significant reduction after 2006. The main factors associated with an induced abortion were currently living with a partner (adjusted OR [AdjOR] 0.32 95% CI: 0.10-0.98), number of children (2 children AdjOR 0.12, 95% CI: 0.02-0.95) and the type of antiretroviral treatment used (regimen without Efavirenz: AdjOR: 0.11, 95% CI 0.02-0.70). CONCLUSIONS: We showed a significant reduction in the incidence of induced abortions in a cohort of women living with HIV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, probably due to a decrease in the incidence of pregnancies observed in the same period. The factors associated with a lower occurrence of induced abortion suggest a good integration between the clinical and reproductive assistance offered to those women.