Changes in Use of Prenatal Dental Care After Brazil's Incentive Policy.

In 2020, the Brazilian federal government launched the "Prevent Brazil" program to incentivize cities to improve their performance across 7 health care indicators, including prenatal dental care. Our study examines the impact of this policy on the use of oral health care among pregnant women in Brazil. We used a series of cross-sectional data from the Brazilian Public Health System from 2018 to 2023. We linked publicly available data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Our outcome was the proportion of pregnant women receiving prenatal care who had at least 1 dental visit during the past year. Covariates included city-level socioeconomic (income and literacy), demographic (gender, race, and urban areas), and workforce variables (number of dentists working in the public health system per city/year). We estimated the impact of the policy on prenatal dental visits nationwide and stratified by geographic region using interrupted time-series analysis. Our analyses included 99.9% of all Brazilian cities (n = 5,562). The use of oral health care among pregnant women increased from 15% in 2018 to 69% in 2023. Adjusted estimates show that, after initiation of the Prevent Brazil, dental care use among pregnant women increased nationally at a rate of 4.6 percentage points per 4-mo period (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.5; 4.7). The policy's largest impact was in the North and Northeast regions, which have the lowest socioeconomic profiles (adjusted time-series rate 5.7 [95% CI 5.3; 6.1] and 5.2 [5.0; 5.4] percent points, respectively). Our findings support the positive impact of the Prevent Brazil policy on prenatal dental care in Brazil. The policy was associated with a countrywide improvement in prenatal dental care use, with a greater impact in socioeconomically disadvantaged regions.

"I have not been doing it because of my fear of something happening." Exploring perspectives on healthy dietary behaviors and physical activity in Mexican pregnant women and health care professionals: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: Mexico exhibits one of the highest prevalence rates of overweight and obesity globally, accompanied by a surge in non-communicable diseases, which in turn leads to elevated mortality rates. Existing efforts to address rising obesity rates have shown limited effectiveness. Maternal weight, diet, and physical activity (PA) during pregnancy affect the mother's and offspring's health. Despite the importance of establishing and engaging in healthy behaviors during pregnancy, little is known about which factors impact these behaviors among pregnant women in Mexico. This study explored perspectives on factors impacting healthy dietary behaviors and PA in pregnancy from pregnant women and health care professionals in Mexico. METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews with 11 pregnant women and 12 health care professionals working in prenatal care. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis in a stepwise inductive approach. RESULTS: Classifying factors at the 1) individual level, 2) relational level, and 3) health care system level, three overall themes emerged. At the individual level, challenges with lack of time and competing priorities as well as knowledge of healthy dietary behaviors and PA were identified. At the relational level, influencing factors encompassed financial, social, and emotional support along with descriptive norms. At the health care system level, guidelines for PA during pregnancy and the quality of care were noted. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified factors impacting healthy dietary behaviors and PA in pregnancy in Mexico. Important considerations for future interventions include addressing sociocultural norms around healthy dietary behaviors and PA in pregnancy and involving pregnant women's families, closest social networks, and health care professionals working at the prenatal care unit.

Effect of Education on Adherence to Recommended Prenatal Practices among Indigenous Ngäbe-Buglé Communities of Panama.

Background and Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to assess the adherence of Ngäbe-Buglé women to WHO-recommended prenatal practices. The secondary objective was to compare adherence levels between women who received prenatal education from official medical providers and those educated through traditional or community-based sources within Ngäbe-Buglé communities. Materials and Methods: An eight-question survey was verbally administered to 137 Ngäbe-Buglé women at clinics set up by the non-profit NGO Floating Doctors in eight communities. A two-sided Fisher's Exact test with a p = 0.05 was used to compare the results of mothers who received prenatal education from evidence-based sources to other groups. Results: Out of the 137 surveyed women, 65 reported taking prenatal vitamins, 21 had prenatal check-ups, 136 avoided alcohol, 31 increased caloric intake, and 102 maintained their activity levels. Significant differences were observed in prenatal vitamin adherence between those educated by official sources versus unofficial sources (p = 0.0029) and official sources compared to those with no prenatal education (p < 0.0001). The difference was also significant for education from an unofficial source versus no education (p = 0.0056). However, no significant differences were found in other prenatal practices based on education sources. Conclusions: Our findings highlight deficiencies in both prenatal education and adherence to recommended practices among Ngäbe-Buglé women. Prenatal education significantly improved adherence to taking prenatal vitamins, suggesting its effectiveness as an intervention. Future interventions should prioritize culturally competent prenatal education and address barriers to accessing prenatal healthcare in Ngäbe-Buglé communities.

HIV in pregnant woman and children: Mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the Brazilian land border from 2010 to 2021.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to analyze the profile and trends of HIV mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) in the Brazilian land border strip (LBS). METHODS: This was a quantitative, ecological, and cross-sectional study using secondary data available in the information systems of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. All cases reported in the Notifiable Diseases Information System between 2010 and 2021 were studied. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2021, 275 children were born infected through MTCT, and 6076 pregnant women were living with HIV in the Brazilian LBS. HIV detection rates in pregnant women increased in all border arcs. The northern arc experienced the highest increase (19.6%), followed by the central arc (11.4%), and the southern arc (6.1%). Despite historically high detection rates, the southern arc exhibited the smallest increase. While MTCT rate decreased by 37.7% in the border area, the central arc showed no statistically significant reduction. In 2021, the average age of pregnant women was 26.2 years, 25.7% had up to 8 years of schooling, and 55.8% identified as non-white. The majority (92.8%) received antenatal care, and 59.7% were diagnosed with HIV before prenatal care. The use of prophylactic antiretroviral therapy during prenatal care occurred in 69.6% of pregnant women, and infant prophylaxis was provided within first 24 h to 43.6% of live births. CONCLUSION: The results indicate progress in reducing MTCT cases in Brazilian LBS. Disparities in HIV detection rates may be influenced by differences in testing uptake, despite mandatory testing for all babies. It is crucial to continue implementing strategies to reach these women and ensure equitable access to healthcare services for MTCT prevention.

Obstetric risk profiles and causes of death: Estimating their association with cesarean sections among maternal deaths in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Maternal mortality is a critical indicator of healthcare quality, and in Mexico, this has become increasingly concerning due to the stagnation in its decline, alongside a concurrent increase in cesarean section (C-section) rates. This study characterizes maternal deaths in Mexico, focusing on estimating the association between obstetric risk profiles, cause of death, and mode of delivery. METHODS: Utilizing a retrospective observational design, 4,561 maternal deaths in Mexico from 2010-2014 were analyzed. Data were sourced from the Deliberate Search and Reclassification of Maternal Deaths database, alongside other national databases. An algorithm was developed to extract the Robson Ten Group Classification System from clinical summaries text, facilitating a nuanced analysis of C-section rates. Information on the reasons for the performance of a C-section was also obtained. Logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate the relation between obstetric risk factors, mode of delivery and causes of maternal death, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS: Among maternal deaths in Mexico from 2010-2014, 47.1% underwent a C-section, with a significant history of previous C-sections observed in 31.4% of these cases, compared to 17.4% for vaginal deliveries (p<0.001). Early prenatal care in the first trimester was more common in C-section cases (46.8%) than in vaginal deliveries (38.3%, p<0.001). A stark contrast was noted in the place of death, with 82.4% of post-C-section deaths occurring in public institutions versus 69.1% following vaginal births. According to Robson's classification, the highest C-section rates were in Group 4 (67.2%, p<0.001) and Group 8 (66.9%, p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed no significant difference in the odds of receiving a C-section in private versus other settings after adjusting for Robson criteria (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.92, 1.60). A prior C-section significantly increased the likelihood of another (OR: 2.38; CI 95%: 2.01, 2.81). The analysis also indicated C-sections were significantly tied to deaths from hypertensive disorders (RRR = 1.25, 95% CI [1.12, 1.40]). In terms of indications, 6.3% of C-sections were performed under inadequate indications, while the indication was not identifiable in 33.1% of all C-sections. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights a significant overuse of C-sections among maternal deaths in Mexico (2010-2014), revealed through the Robson classification and ana analysis of the reported indications for the procedure. It underscores the need for revising clinical decision-making to promote evidence-based guidelines and favor vaginal deliveries when possible. High C-section rates, especially noted disparities between private and public sectors, suggest economic and non-clinical factors may be at play. The importance of accurate data systems and further research with control groups to understand C-section practices' impact on maternal health is emphasized.

Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy as a major cause of preterm birth and adverse perinatal outcomes: findings from a Brazilian National Survey.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy among Brazilian women with preterm births and to compare the epidemiological characteristics and perinatal outcomes among preterm births of women with and without hypertension. METHODS: This was a secondary cross-sectional analysis of the Brazilian Multicenter Study on Preterm Birth. During the study period, all women with preterm births were included and further split into two groups according to the occurrence of any hypertensive disorder during pregnancy. Prevalence ratios were calculated for each variable. Maternal characteristics, prenatal care, and gestational and perinatal outcomes were compared between the two groups using χ2 and t-tests. RESULTS: A total of 4,150 women with preterm births were included, and 1,169 (28.2%) were identified as having hypertensive disorders. Advanced maternal age (prevalence ratio (PR) 2.49) and obesity (PR= 2.64) were more common in the hypertensive group. The gestational outcomes were worse in women with hypertension. Early preterm births were also more frequent in women with hypertension. CONCLUSION: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were frequent among women with preterm births, and provider-initiated preterm births were the leading causes of premature births in this group. The factors significantly associated with hypertensive disorders among women with preterm births were obesity, excessive weight gain, and higher maternal age.

Association between location of prenatal care services and non-consented cesarean sections in Mexico: A secondary analysis of the National Survey on the Dynamics of Household Relationships 2016.

BACKGROUND: Mexico has one of the world's highest rates of cesarean section (C-section). Little is known about Mexico's frequency of and risk factors for non-consented C-sections, a form of obstetric violence. We examined the prevalence of sociodemographic and obstetric-specific characteristics of Mexican women who delivered via C-section, as well as the association between the location of prenatal care services and experiencing a non-consented C-section. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected from Mexico's 2016 National Survey on the Dynamics of Household Relationships (ENDIREH 2016) of women who reported a C-section during their latest delivery. Adjusted logistic regressions were calculated to explore the associations between the location of prenatal care services and experiencing a non-consented cesarean delivery, stratifying by Indigenous belonging. RESULTS: The sample size for this analysis was 10,256 ENDIREH respondents, with 9.1% not consenting to a C-section. ENDIREH respondents between the ages of 26 and 35 years old, living in urban settings, living in Central or Southern Mexico, and married or living with a partner experienced a higher prevalence of non-consented C-sections. For both women who identified as Indigenous and those who did not, the odds of experiencing a non-consented C-section were higher when receiving prenatal services in private settings. Receiving more than one type of prenatal service was also associated with increased odds of non-consented C-sections, while ENDIREH 2016 respondents who did not identify as Indigenous and received prenatal care at the State Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers facility had lower odds of experiencing a non-consented C-section. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis indicates that receiving prenatal care at a private facility or a combination of public and private services increases the risk of experiencing a non-consented C-section in Mexico. Additional research is required to further understand the factors associated with non-consented C-sections in Mexico.

Epidemiological analysis of congenital syphilis in the State of Paraná, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital syphilis is a complex public health issue caused by the transmission of Treponema pallidum. Brazil has high incidence rates, with a distinct transmission pattern surpassing other notifiable diseases. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine epidemiological trends, incidence rate, mortality, geographical distribution, prenatal care, and diagnostic determination timing of congenital syphilis in Paraná State. METHODS: Data from Department of Informatics of the Single Health System were used to analyze the period from 2015 to 2021 in Paraná. Linear regression and t-tests were employed to assess significance. Statistical significance was determined by p<0.05. RESULTS: A total of 5,096 notifications of congenital syphilis were recorded in Paraná over the examined period. The metropolitan region is a notable clustering of cases, following Londrina, Maringá, and Foz do Iguaçu. The age group with the highest cases is found between 20 and 24 years (34.93%). Regarding maternal education, a higher occurrence was noticed in incomplete lower secondary education mothers (22.12%). Regarding ethnic background, 3,792 women were identified as white, which was the majority of this analysis (74.41%). Diagnosed maternal syphilis throughout the prenatal phase during 2015-2018 exhibited a noteworthy increase (p<0.05). Most women received prenatal care (p<0.05), even though a significant number received the diagnosis at the delivery or after it. The average infant mortality rate associated with congenital syphilis in Paraná was 0.03. CONCLUSION: Paraná State serves as a representative sample of this epidemiological situation, providing significant insights into the intricacies of congenital syphilis incidence. Further comparative investigations including diverse regions within Brazil are necessary.

Protocol of Birth in Brazil II: National Research on Abortion, Labor and Childbirth. / Protocolo do Nascer no Brasil II: Pesquisa Nacional sobre Aborto, Parto e Nascimento.

Brazil has made advances in obstetric care in public and private hospitals; however, weaknesses in this system still require attention. The Brazilian Ministry of Health, aware of this need, funded the second version of the Birth in Brazil survey. This study aimed to evaluate: prenatal, labor and birth, postpartum, and abortion care, comparing the results with those of Birth in Brazil I; and analyze the main determinants of perinatal morbidity and mortality; evaluate the care structure and processes of obstetrics and neonatology services in maternity hospitals; analyze the knowledge, practices, and attitudes of health professionals who provide birth and abortion care; and identify the main barriers and facilitators related to care of this nature in Brazil. With a national scope and a 2-stage probability sample: 1-hospitals and 2-women, stratified into 59 strata, 465 hospitals were selected with a total planned sample of around 24,255 women - 2,205 for abortion reasons and 22,050 for labor reasons. Data collection was conducted using six electronic instruments during hospital admission for labor or abortion, with two follow-up waves, at two and four months. In order to expand the number of cases of severe maternal morbidity, maternal and perinatal mortality, three case control studies were incorporated into Birth in Brazil II. The fieldwork began in November 2021 and is scheduled to end in 2023. It will allow a comparison between current labor and birth care results and those obtained in the first study and will evaluate the advances achieved in 10 years.

Com o passar do tempo, o Brasil vem apresentando avanços na assistência obstétrica em hospitais públicos e privados; no entanto, ainda existem pontos frágeis que necessitam de atenção. O Ministério da Saúde, ciente dessa necessidade, financiou a segunda versão da pesquisa Nascer no Brasil. Os objetivos gerais são: avaliar a assistência pré-natal, ao parto e nascimento, ao puerpério e ao aborto, comparando com os resultados do Nascer no Brasil I, e analisar os principais determinantes da morbimortalidade perinatal; avaliar a estrutura e processos assistenciais dos serviços de obstetrícia e neonatologia das maternidades; analisar os conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas de profissionais de saúde que prestam assistência ao parto e ao aborto; e identificar as principais barreiras e facilitadores para essa assistência no país. Com escopo nacional e amostra probabilística em dois estágios (1-hospitais e 2-mulheres), dividida em 59 estratos, foram selecionados 465 hospitais com total planejado de, aproximadamente, 24.255 mulheres, 2.205 por motivo de aborto e 22.050 por motivo de parto. A coleta de dados, realizada por meio de seis instrumentos eletrônicos, ocorre durante a internação hospitalar para o parto ou aborto, com duas ondas de seguimento, aos dois e quatro meses. Com o intuito de expandir o número de casos de morbidade materna grave, mortalidade materna e perinatal, três estudos caso controle foram incorporados ao Nascer no Brasil II. O trabalho de campo foi iniciado em novembro de 2021 com término previsto para 2023. Os resultados permitirão comparar a atenção atual ao parto e ao nascimento com a retratada no primeiro inquérito e, com isso, avaliar os avanços alcançados no decorrer desses 10 anos.

Aunque Brasil ha presentado avances en la atención obstétrica en hospitales públicos y privados, todavía hay puntos débiles que necesitan atención. El Ministerio de Salud, consciente de esta necesidad, financió la segunda versión de la encuesta Nacer en Brasil. Los objetivos generales son: evaluar la atención prenatal, el parto y el nacimiento, el puerperio y el aborto, comparando con los resultados del Nacer en Brasil I, y analizar los principales determinantes de la morbimortalidad perinatal; evaluar la estructura y los procesos de atención de los servicios de obstetricia y neonatología en las maternidades; analizar los conocimientos, prácticas y actitudes de los profesionales de la salud que brindan atención para el parto y el aborto; e identificar las principales barreras y facilitadores para esta atención en el país. Tiene un alcance nacional y muestra probabilística en dos etapas (1-hospitales y 2-mujeres), la cual se dividió en 59 estratos; y se seleccionaron 465 hospitales con un total planificado de aproximadamente 24.255 mujeres, de las cuales 2.205 tuvieron procedimientos por aborto y 22.050 por parto. Para la recolección de datos se aplicó seis instrumentos electrónicos, que se realizó durante la hospitalización por parto o aborto, con dos rondas de seguimiento, a los dos y cuatro meses. Con el fin de ampliar el número de casos de morbilidad materna grave, mortalidad materna y perinatal, se incorporaron tres estudios de casos y controles en Nacer en Brasil II. El trabajo de campo comenzó en noviembre de 2021 y finalizará en 2023. Los resultados nos permitirán evaluar la atención al parto y al nacimiento actual con lo que se retrató en la primera encuesta, de esta manera se podrá evaluar los avances alcanzados a lo largo de estos 10 años.

Pre-pregnancy body mass index and caesarean section in Andean women in Peru: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: During the last two decades, Caesarean section rates (C-sections), overweight and obesity rates increased in rural Peru. We examined the association between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and C-section in the province of San Marcos, Northern Andes-Peru. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study. Participants were women receiving antenatal care in public health establishments from February 2020 to January 2022, who were recruited and interviewed during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. They answered a questionnaire, underwent a physical examination and gave access to their antenatal care card information. BMI was calculated using maternal height, measured by the study team and self-reported pre-pregnancy weight measured at the first antenatal care visit. For 348/965 (36%) women, weight information was completed using self-reported data collected during the cohort baseline. Information about birth was obtained from the health centre's pregnancy surveillance system. Regression models were used to assess associations between C-section and BMI. Covariates that changed BMI estimates by at least 5% were included in the multivariable model. RESULTS: This study found that 121/965 (12.5%) women gave birth by C-section. Out of 495 women with pre-pregnancy normal weight, 46 (9.3%) had C-sections. Among the 335 women with pre-pregnancy overweight, 53 (15.5%) underwent C-sections, while 23 (18.5%) of the 124 with pre-pregnancy obesity had C-sections. After adjusting for age, parity, altitude, food and participation in a cash transfer programme pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity increased the odds of C-section by more than 80% (aOR 1.82; 95% CI 1.16-2.87 and aOR 1.85; 95% CI 1.02-3.38) compared to women with a normal BMI. CONCLUSIONS: High pre-pregnancy BMI is associated with an increased odds of having a C-section. Furthermore, our results suggest that high BMI is a major risk factor for C-section in this population. The effect of obesity on C-section was partially mediated by the development of preeclampsia, suggesting that C-sections are being performed due to medical reasons.

Prenatal care utilization and perinatal outcomes among pregnant adolescents in Mexico, 2008-2019.

OBJECTIVE: To describe utilization of prenatal care and outcomes of low birth weight and preterm birth among adolescent births in Mexico. METHODS: We used birth certificate data and included live births to individuals 10-24 years, 2008-2019. Our outcomes were binary measures of adequate prenatal care, low birth weight, and preterm birth. We compared adolescents (10-14 years, 15-16, and 17-19) to those 20-24 years. We included individual-, clinical-, and municipality-level variables, used multivariable logistic regression, and calculated adjusted predicted probabilities. We also tested whether receipt of prenatal care moderated the relationship of age with preterm birth and low birth weight. RESULTS: We included a total of 12 106 710 births to women 10-24 years. The adjusted predicted probability of adequate prenatal care increased with age: 56.07% (95% CI 55.82-56.31%) adjusted probability among adolescents 10-14 years compared with 65.51% (95% CI 65.48%-65.55%) among individuals 20-24 years. Receipt of adequate prenatal care in part mitigated disparities in preterm birth and low birthweight across all age groups: 7.30% (95% CI 7.17%-7.43%) adjusted probability of delivering a preterm infant among those 10-14 years who received adequate prenatal care compared with 9.37% (95% CI 9.20%-9.53%) among those 10-14 years without adequate prenatal care. CONCLUSION: In Mexico, adolescent pregnancies are associated with inadequate prenatal care as well as higher odds of preterm delivery and low birth weight. Youngest adolescents (10-14 years) have the highest probability of adverse outcomes. Adequate prenatal care may help partially mitigate disparities in poor perinatal outcomes.

Tendência temporal de nascidos prematuros no estado de Santa Catarina entre 2011 e 2021 / Temporal trend of premature birth in the state of Santa Catarina between 2011 and 2021

Objetivo: Analisar a tendência temporal de nascimentos prematuros no estado de Santa Catarina entre 2011 e 2021. Métodos: Estudo observacional ecológico de tendência temporal realizado com informações do banco de dados do Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos do estado de Santa Catarina (2011-2021), disponibilizado pela Diretoria de Vigilância Epidemiológica. Foram analisados todos os nascidos vivos prematuros segundo o ano de processamento e o local de residência em Santa Catarina (110.422). Foram incluídos os nascidos vivos de gestação com menos de 37 semanas completas. As taxas de nascimentos prematuros foram calculadas proporcionalmente à totalidade de nascimentos e calculadas segundo macrorregião, idade materna, número de consultas do pré-natal, instrução materna e cor de pele. Para o cálculo da tendência temporal, foi utilizada a regressão linear simples, com intervalo de confiança de 95% (p ≤ 0,05). Resultados: A taxa média de nascimentos prematuros no estado de Santa Catarina foi de 10,57%, com tendência estável (p < 0,001). Maiores taxas específicas foram encontradas nas macrorregiões Meio Oeste e Serra e Planalto Norte e Nordeste (11,46%), extremos de idade (10-14 anos e 45-64 anos) e menor escolaridade. Maior número de consultas de pré-natal apresentou taxa de prematuridade menor (7,69%). Tendências crescentes das taxas foram apenas encontradas na macrorregião Grande Oeste, faixa etária materna entre 40-44 anos e entre 4-6 consultas de pré-natal. Conclusão: A tendência da taxa de prematuridade manteve-se estável em Santa Catarina. Baixo número de consultas de pré-natal, extremos de idades e baixa escolaridade mostraram taxas maiores de prematuridade. (AU)

Objective: Analyzing the temporal trend of premature births in the state of Santa Catarina between 2011 and 2021. Methods: Observational ecological temporal trend study carried out with information from the database of the Information System on Live Births in the state of Santa Catarina (2011-2021), made available by the Epidemiological Surveillance Directorate. All premature live births were analyzed according to the year of processing and place of residence in Santa Catarina (110,422). Live births of less than 37 completed weeks were included. The rates of premature births were calculated in proportion to the total number of births and calculated according to macro-region, maternal age, number of prenatal consultations, maternal education and skin color. Simple linear regression was used to calculate the temporal trend, with a confidence interval of 95% (p ≤ 0.05). Results: The average rate of premature births in the state of Santa Catarina was 10.57%, with a stable trend (p < 0.001). Higher specific rates were found in the Midwest and Serra, North Plateau and Northeast macro-regions (11.46%), age extremes (10-14 years and 45-64 years) and lower schooling. A greater number of prenatal consultations had a lower prematurity rate (7.69%). Increasing trends in rates were only found in the Grande Oeste macro-region, maternal age group between 40-44 years and between 4-6 prenatal consultations. Conclusion: The prematurity rate trend remained stable in Santa Catarina. Low number of prenatal consultations, extremes of age and low education showed higher rates of prematurity. (AU)

Understanding the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Prenatal Care of a Group of Pregnant Hispanic Women living in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prenatal care of pregnant Hispanic women living in Puerto Rico. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. The participants' profiles were determined through an online questionnaire to analyze COVID-19 related behaviors and experiences. RESULTS: Our sample comprised 131 women with an average age of 28 years (±5.3 years). Most of the population was pregnant at the time of the interview (74.8%; n = 98), and the rest were in their post-partum period. Overall, 46.5% (n = 61) of the patients indicated that their prenatal care did not change during the pandemic. In addition, 92.50% (n = 111) reported not altering their plans for breastfeeding their babies. Overall, 77.86% of the participants reported feeling scared or overwhelmed due to the current pandemic, and 97% agreed that COVID testing should be performed as a screening method in all pregnant females. CONCLUSION: Our findings describe the characteristics of pregnant Hispanic females living in Puerto Rico. The majority reported adhering adequately to their health services, with few or no changes in their prenatal care.

Fatores relacionados à gravidez na adolescência: perfil reprodutivo de um grupo de gestantes / Factors related to pregnancy in adolescence: reproductive profile of a group of pregnant women / Factores relacionados con el embarazo en la adolescencia: perfil reproductivo de un grupo de mujeres embarazadas

Objetivo: descrever o perfil reprodutivo de mulheres adolescentes participantes de um grupo de gestantes. Método: estudo descritivo, transversal, documental e retrospectivo realizado através da ficha de cadastro de participantes de um grupo de gestante vinculado ao consultório de enfermagem de uma universidade pública federal do rio de janeiro em 2018. Resultados: analisou-se 59 cadastros. houve predominância de mulheres, jovens (71,2%); solteiras (72,3%); multíparas (56%); que tiveram cesárea como via de parto anteriormente (39%); no segundo trimestre de gestação (61%); tipo de pré-natal público (86,4%); desejando a via de parto vaginal (45,8%) e laqueadura pós-parto como método contraceptivo (30,5%), participaram do grupo sem acompanhantes (79,7%) e desejam visita domiciliar pós-parto (78%). Conclusão: identificou-se a necessidade, fatores relacionados e vulnerabilidades em saúde reprodutiva com vistas a implementação de cuidados primários voltados à promoção da saúde, prevenção de agravos e detecção precoce.

Objective: to describe the reproductive profile of adolescent women participating in a group of pregnant women. Method:descriptive, cross-sectional, documentary and retrospective study carried out through the registration form of participants of a group of pregnant women linked to the nursing office of a federal public university in Rio de Janeiro in 2018. Results: 59 records were analyzed. there was a predominance of women, young people (71.2%); single (72.3%); multiparous (56%); who had previously had a cesarean section (39%); in the second trimester of pregnancy (61%); type of public prenatal care (86.4%); desiring vaginal delivery (45.8%) and postpartum tubal ligation as a contraceptive method (30.5%), participated in the group without companions (79.7%) and desired postpartum home visit (78%). Conclusion: the need, related factors and vulnerabilities in reproductive health were identified with a view to implementing primary care aimed at health promotion, disease prevention and early detection.

Objetivo: describir el perfil reproductivo de mujeres adolescentes participantes de un grupo de gestantes. Método: estudio descriptivo, transversal, documental y retrospectivo realizado a través del formulario de registro de participantes de un grupo de gestantes vinculadas al consultorio de enfermería de una universidad pública federal de Río de Janeiro en 2018. Resultados: se analizaron 59 registros. hubo predominio de mujeres, jóvenes (71,2%); soltero (72,3%); multíparas (56%); que previamente había tenido una cesárea (39%); en el segundo trimestre del embarazo (61%); tipo de atención prenatal pública (86,4%); deseando parto vaginal (45,8%) y ligadura de trompas posparto como método anticonceptivo (30,5%), participaron del grupo sin acompañantes (79,7%) y desearon visita domiciliaria posparto (78%). Conclusión: se identificaron la necesidad, los factores relacionados y las vulnerabilidades en salud reproductiva para la implementación de la atención primaria dirigida a la promoción de la salud, la prevención de enfermedades y la detección temprana.

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mother owl program of the VII health region of Pernambuco / Impactos da pandemia da COVID-19 no programa mãe coruja da VII região de saúde de Pernambuco

Resumo Objectives: to analyze the impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the Mother Owl Program of the VII Health Region of Pernambuco. Methods: descriptive, cross-sectional and quantitative study, carried out at the VII Regional Health Management, in Salgueiro-PE. Data were collected from the Mother Owl Information System, from August to November 2021, being related to women and children registered from 2019 to March 2021. Adopting a time frame for before and during the pandemic, the Student's t and chi-square tests in the analysis of continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Results: data from 581 women and 412 children were analyzed. Before the pandemic, there was a higher average number of prenatal consultations (p<0.001) and greater completeness in the children's race data (p<0.001). During the pandemic, there was a lower frequency of breastfeeding in the first hour of life (p<0.001) and of filling in the data regarding maternal education (p<0.001). In addition, no more than 7 childcare consultations were performed (p<0.001). Conclusions: the assistance of women and children was impacted, mainly with the drop in prenatal and childcare consultations, showing that COVID-19 had a negative impact on the health of people monitored by the Program and on the quality of information inserted in the system.

Resumo Objetivos: analisar os impactos causados pela pandemia da COVID-19 no Programa Mãe Coruja da VII Região de Saúde de Pernambuco. Métodos: estudo descritivo, transversal e quantitativo, realizado na VII Gerência Regional de Saúde, em Salgueiro-PE. Os dados foram coletados do Sistema de Informação Mãe Coruja, no período de agosto a novembro de 2021, sendo relacionados às mulheres e crianças cadastradas de 2019 a março de 2021. Adotando-se um marco temporal para antes e durante a pandemia, foram utilizados os testes t de Student e qui-quadrado nas análises das variáveis contínuas e categóricas, respectivamente. Resultados: foram analisados os dados de 581 mulheres e 412 crianças. Antes da pandemia constatou-se maior média de consultas de pré-natal (p<0,001) e maior completude nos dados de raça das crianças (p<0,001). Durante a pandemia ocorreu menor frequência da amamentação na primeira hora de vida (p<0,001) e do preenchimento dos dados referentes à escolaridade materna (p<0,001). Assim como, não foram realizadas mais que sete consultas de puericultura (p<0,001). Conclusões: a assistência das mulheres e crianças foi impactada, principalmente com a queda de consultas do pré-natal e da puericultura, evidenciando que a COVID-19 repercutiu negativamente na saúde das pessoas acompanhadas pelo Programa e na qualidade das informações inseridas no sistema.

Mortalidade materna na adolescência e juventude: tendência temporal e correlação com cobertura pré-natal na Bahia, 2000-2020 / Maternal mortality in adolescents and young adults: temporal trend and correlation with prenatal care coverage in the state of Bahia, Brazil, 2000-2020 / Mortalidade materna na adolescência e juventude: tendência temporal e correlação com cobertura pré-natal na Bahia, 2000-2020

Objetivo: analisar a tendência temporal da mortalidade materna e correlacioná-la com a cobertura pré-natal entre adolescentes e adultas jovens, Bahia, Brasil, 2000-2020. Métodos: estudo ecológico de série temporal e correlação entre óbitos maternos e consulta de pré-natal aos 10-19 e 20-24 anos, utilizando-se o Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade; a tendência foi analisada pela regressão de Prais-Winsten, segundo raça/cor da pele, causas e momento do óbito; para a correlação, utilizou-se o coeficiente de Spearman. Resultados: no período, foram registrados 418 óbitos de adolescentes e 574 de adultas jovens; razão de mortalidade materna de 59,7 e 63,2 óbitos/100 mil nascidos vivos, com tendência decrescente significante (-2,2% e -2,9% respectivamente); observou-se correlação inversa entre maior número de consultas e mortalidade materna, nos grupos etários. Conclusão: a mortalidade materna apresentou tendência de redução no período, porém com altas proporções de óbito; houve correlação significante entre cobertura pré-natal e mortalidade materna, entre adolescentes e adultas jovens.

Objective: to analyze the temporal trend of maternal mortality and correlate it with prenatal care coverage among adolescents and young adults, state of Bahia, Brazil, 2000-2020. Methods: this was an ecological time-series study and correlation between maternal deaths and prenatal care visits in 10-19 and 20-24 age groups, using the Mortality Information System; the trend analysis was performed by means of Prais-Winsten regression, according to race/skin color, timing and causes of death; and Spearman coefficient was used for correlation. Results: in the study period, 418 deaths among adolescents and 574 among young adults were recorded; maternal mortality ratio was 59.7 and 63.2 deaths/100,000 live births, with a significant decreasing trend (-2.2% and -2.9% respectively); it could be seen an inverse correlation between a higher number of prenatal care visits and maternal mortality in the age groups. Conclusion: maternal mortality showed a decreasing trend in the study period, but with high proportions of death; there was a significant correlation between prenatal care coverage and maternal mortality among adolescents and young adults.

Objetivo: analizar la tendencia temporal de la mortalidad materna y correlacionarla con la cobertura prenatal, entre adolescentes y adultas jóvenes, en el estado de Bahía, período 2000-2020. Métodos: estudio ecológico de series temporales y correlación entre muertes maternas y atención prenatal, en grupos de edad de 10-19 y 20-24, utilizando el Sistema de Información de Mortalidad. Analizó la tendencia mediante regresión de Prais-Winsten, según raza/color de piel, causas y hora de muerte; para correlación, el coeficiente de Spearman. Resultados: en el período se registraron 418 muertes de adolescentes y 574 de adultas jóvenes; razón de mortalidad materna de 59,7 y 63,2 muertes/100.000 nacidos vivos, con importante tendencia a la baja (-2,2%; -2,9%, respectivamente). Se observó correlación inversa entre el mayor número de consultas y la mortalidad materna en grupos. Conclusión: la mortalidad materna mostró tendencia descendente en el período, pero con altas proporciones de muertes. Hubo una correlación significativa entre la cobertura prenatal y la mortalidad materna, adolescente y adulta joven.

Prevalência e fatores associados à realização de exames pré-natais na pandemia de COVID-19: um estudo transversal / Prevalencia y factores asociados a la realización de exámenes prenatales en la pandemia de COVID-19: un estudio transversal / Prevalence and factors associated with carrying out prenatal tests in the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Resumo Objetivo Identificar a prevalência da realização dos exames de pré-natal e seus fatores associados, durante a pandemia de COVID-19, em uma regional de saúde brasileira. Método Pesquisa transversal, descritiva, realizada em três maternidades públicas, com 408 puérperas, por meio de inquérito e consulta de prontuários e cartão da gestante. Utilizou-se o teste Qui-quadrado assumindo nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultados Houve baixa prevalência na realização dos exames de pré-natal, sendo 67% no primeiro trimestre, 59,2% no segundo e 48,98% no terceiro. A raça não branca e o início do pré-natal após a 14ª semana estão associados à baixa realização dos testes sorológicos/bioquímicos. Conclusão e implicações para a prática A realização dos exames do pré-natal não ocorreu de forma satisfatória durante o período pandêmico, possibilitando verificar a existência de lacunas na qualidade da assistência pré-natal. Em situações adversas, como ocorrido na pandemia de COVID-19, o enfermeiro pode utilizar de estratégias que garantam a continuidade e integralidade da assistência pré-natal, especialmente entre as populações de maior vulnerabilidade.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar la prevalencia de la realización de controles prenatales y sus factores asociados, durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en una regional de salud brasileña. Método Investigación transversal y descriptiva, realizada con 408 puérperas en las maternidades de la 9ª Regional de Salud, por medio de indagaciones y consultas en las historias clínicas y cartillas sanitarias de las embarazadas. Se utilizó la prueba de Chi-cuadrado con un nivel de significancia de p<0,05. Resultados Se registró baja prevalencia de controles prenatales: 67% en el primer trimestre, 59,2% en el segundo y 48,98% en el tercero. La raza no blanca y el inicio de la atención prenatal después de la semana 14 se asocian con una escasa realización de las pruebas serológicas/bioquímicas. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica Los controles prenatales no se realizaron satisfactoriamente durante el periodo pandémico, lo que permite comprobar la existencia de brechas en la calidad de la atención prenatal. En situaciones adversas, como ocurrió en la pandemia de COVID-19, los enfermeros pueden utilizar estrategias que garanticen la continuidad e integralidad de la atención prenatal, especialmente entre las poblaciones más vulnerables.

Abstract Objective To identify the prevalence of prenatal screening and its associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Brazilian health region. Method A cross-sectional and descriptive research study, carried out with 408 puerperal women in the maternity hospitals from the 9th Health Region, through survey and consultation of the pregnant women's medical records and cards. The Chi-square test was used, assuming a significance level of p<0.05. Results There was low prevalence of prenatal exams: 67% in the first trimester, 59.2% in the second and 48.98% in the third. Non-white race and prenatal care initiation after the 14th week are associated with low performance of serological/biochemical tests. Conclusion and implications for the practice The performance of prenatal tests was not satisfactory during the pandemic period, allowing us to verify the existence of gaps in prenatal care quality. In adverse situations, as was the case in the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses can use strategies that guarantee prenatal care continuity and comprehensiveness, especially among the most vulnerable populations.

Rastreamento clínico e nutricional de gestantes de alto risco na estratégia de saúde da família de Santa Quitéria - CE / Clinical and nutritional screening of high-risk pregnant women in the family health strategy of Santa Quitéria - CE / Cribado clínico y nutricional de las embarazadas de alto riesgo en la estrategia de salud familiar de Santa Quitéria - CE

Considera-se gestação de alto risco quando a mulher apresenta comorbidade materna e/ou condição sociobiológica que levam as chances de ocorrer alguma intercorrência na evolução natural da gravidez, como hipertensão arterial, diabetes, anemia, alcoolismo e obesidade. É de grande importância o acompanhamento pré-natal com uma equipe de assistência capaz de identificar os problemas antes mesmo que possam ser agravados. O objetivo deste estudo foi rastrear o perfil clínico e nutricional de mulheres com gestação de alto risco na Estratégia de Saúde da Família de Santa Quitéria- CE. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa realizado com 33 gestantes. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizado o cartão da gestante e prontuário, o estado nutricional foi avaliado através do peso pré- gestacional contido no cartão e peso atual através da balança. Para análise estatística, foram usados frequências, percentuais, médias e desvio padrão, verificadas por meio dos testes de Kolmogorov-Smirnov e Levene. Para a comparação de médias entre duas categorias, utilizou-se o teste t de Student para amostras independentes. Os resultados mostraram que a maioria tinha o ensino médio como nível de escolaridade, renda igual ou menor que um salário mínimo, multíparas com um ou mais abortos. Em relação às características do estado clínico patológico, as condições mais prevalentes nas gestantes do presente estudo foram hipertensão arterial sistêmica, pré-eclâmpsia, seguidos de DMG e eritoblastose. Excesso de peso antes e durante a gravidez com ganho ponderal de peso adequado. O que demonstra a necessidade de estratégias para a saúde da mulher. É apropriado acionar sinal de alerta no acompanhamento da saúde da mulher também antes da gestação e não somente no pré-natal para que transcorra bem durante e após o parto. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Estado nutricional; Gestação de alto risco; Assistência Pré-Natal.

High-risk pregnancy is considered when the woman presents maternal comorbidity and/or sociobiological condition that increase the chances of some complication occurring in the natural evolution of pregnancy, such as arterial hypertension, diabetes, anemia, alcoholism, and obesity; It is of great importance the prenatal follow-up with an assistance team capable of identifying the problems even before they can be aggravated; The objective of this study was to track the clinical and nutritional profile of women with high-risk pregnancy in the Family Health Strategy of Santa Quitéria-CE; This is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach carried out with 33 pregnant women; For data collection the pregnant woman's card and medical records were used, the nutritional status was evaluated through the pre-gestational weight contained in the card and current weight through the scale; For statistical analysis, frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation were used, verified by means of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Levene tests;For comparison of means between two categories, Student's t test for independent samples was used; The results showed that most had high school education, income equal to or less than one minimum wage, multiparous women with one or more abortions; Regarding the characteristics of the pathological medical condition, the most prevalent conditions in the pregnant women of the present study were hypertension, pre- eclampsia, followed by GDM and erythoblastosis; Overweight before and during pregnancy with adequate weight gain; This demonstrates the need for women's health strategies; It is appropriate to trigger warning signals in the monitoring of women's health also before pregnancy and not only in the prenatal period so that it goes well during and after delivery;

Se considera embarazo de alto riesgo cuando la mujer presenta comorbilidad materna y/o condición socio-biológica que conlleva las posibilidades de aparición de alguna complicación en la evolución natural del embarazo, como son la hipertensión, la diabetes, la anemia, el alcoholismo y la obesidad. Es de gran importancia el seguimiento prenatal con un equipo de asistencia capaz de identificar los problemas incluso antes de que puedan agravarse. El objetivo de este estudio fue rastrear el perfil clínico y nutricional de las mujeres con embarazo de alto riesgo en la Estrategia de Salud Familiar de Santa Quitéria-CE. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo con un enfoque cuantitativo realizado con 33 mujeres embarazadas. Para la recopilación de datos se utilizó el cartón de la gestante y el prontuario, el estado nutricional se evaluó a través del peso pregestacional contenido en el cartón y el peso actual a través de la balanza. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizaron frecuencias, porcentajes, medias y desviación estándar, verificados mediante las pruebas de Kolmogorov-Smirnov y Levene. Para la comparación de medias entre dos categorías, se utilizó la prueba t de Student para muestras independientes. Los resultados mostraron que la mayoría tenía estudios secundarios, ingresos iguales o inferiores a un salario mínimo, mujeres multíparas con uno o más abortos. En cuanto a las características del estado clínico patológico, las condiciones más prevalentes en las embarazadas del presente estudio fueron la hipertensión arterial sistémica, la preeclampsia, seguidas de la DMG y la eritoblastosis. Exceso de peso antes y durante el embarazo con un aumento de peso adecuado. Lo que demuestra la necesidad de estrategias de salud para las mujeres. Es conveniente activar la señal de alarma en el seguimiento de la salud de las mujeres también antes del embarazo y no sólo en la atención prenatal para que funcione bien durante y después del parto.

Frecuencia y factores relacionados al no cumplimiento del control prenatal en gestantes de 35 años o más en el Cauca, Colombia, 2016-2018 / Frequency and associated factors of non-adherence to prenatal care in pregnant women 35 years of age or older in Cauca, Colombia, 2016-2018

RESUMEN Objetivos: describir la frecuencia del no cumplimiento del control prenatal en gestantes de 35 años o más del departamento del Cauca, Colombia, y hacer un análisis exploratorio de los factores asociados. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se incluyeron gestantes entre 35 y 41 años afiliadas a la Entidad Administradora de Planes de Beneficios Asociación Indígena del Cauca Entidad Promotora de Salud-I (EAPB AIC-I) e inscritas al programa de control prenatal, entre 2016 y 2018. Se excluyeron pacientes con registros sin información completa. Se analizaron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y la frecuencia de no asistencia adecuado al control prenatal a través de estadística descriptiva, y se calcularon Odd Ratios con sus intervalos de confianza para los factores asociados. Resultados: en 1016 pacientes entre 35 y 41 años evaluadas se encontró una frecuencia de no cumplimiento de mínimo seis controles prenatales de 61,3 %. El antecedente de aborto (OR ajustado: 0,46; IC 95 % 0,33-0,64,) y gravidez de cinco o más (OR ajustado: 3,22; IC 95 % 1,50-6,91) fueron los factores asociados. Conclusiones: el no cumplimiento de controles prenatales por gestantes de 35 o más años inscritos en la EAPB AIC-I del Cauca es alto. Se requieren nuevos estudios cualitativos que evalúen factores culturales y sociales presentes en estas comunidades que afectan la adherencia al control prenatal, así como estudios prospectivos que confirmen el análisis exploratorio de los factores asociados a la no adherencia. Es importante que las empresas aseguradoras del régimen subsidiado realicen actividades de promoción en estas comunidades para incrementar su cumplimento.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To describe the frequency and factors associated with non-adherence to prenatal follow-up in pregnant women 35 years of age or older in the department of Cauca, Colombia, between 2016 and 2018. Material and methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive observational study of records of pregnant women between 35 and 41 years of age affiliated to the Cauca Indigenous Association Health Benefit Plan Management Organization-I (EAPB AIC-I) and registered in the prenatal care program, between 2016 and 2018. Duplicate records and records with incomplete information were excluded. Sociodemographic and clinical variables, as well as program outcomes, were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Odds ratios and their confidence intervals were calculated. Results: In 1016 patients between 35 and 41 years of age, a frequency of 61.3 % of non-adherence to at least six prenatal visits was found. History of abortion (adjusted OR: 0.46; 95 % CI 0.33-0.64) and pregnancy of five or more (adjusted OR: 3,22; IC 95 % 1,50-6,91) were the associated factors. Conclusions: Non-adherence to prenatal care by pregnant women of 35 years or more affiliated to the Cauca EAPB AIC-I is high. Further qualitative studies are needed to examine the cultural and social factors present in these communities that may affect adherence to prenatal monitoring, together with prospective studies to confirm the exploratory analysis of factors associated with non-adherence. Insurance organizations in the subsidized regime should be called upon to conduct promotion activities in these communities in order to improve adherence.

A comparative study of adult and adolescent maternal care continuum following community-oriented interventions in Cambodia, Guatemala, Kenya, and Zambia.

BACKGROUND: The coverage for reproductive care continuum is a growing concern for communities in low- income economies. Adolescents (15-19 years) are often at higher odds of maternal morbidity and mortality due to other underlying factors including biological immaturity, social, and economic differences. The aim of the study was to examine a) differences in care-seeking and continuum of care (4 antenatal care (ANC4+), skilled birth attendance (SBA) and postnatal care (PNC) within 24h) between adult (20-49 Years) and adolescents and b) the effect of multilevel community-oriented interventions on adolescent and adult reproductive care-seeking in Cambodia, Guatemala, Kenya, and Zambia using a quasi-experimental study design. METHODS: In each country, communities in two districts/sub-districts received timed community health worker (CHW) household health promotion and social accountability interventions with community scorecards. Two matched districts/sub-districts were selected for comparison and received routine healthcare services. RESULTS: Results from the final evaluation showed that there were no significant differences in the care continuum for adolescents and adults except for Kenya (26.1% vs 18.8%, p<0.05). SBA was significantly higher for adolescents compared to adult women for Guatemala (64% vs 55.5%, p<0.05). Adolescents in the intervention sites showed significantly higher ANC utilization for Kenya (95.3% vs 84.8%, p<0.01) and Zambia (87% vs 72.7%, p<0.05), ANC4 for Cambodia (83.7% vs 43.2%, p<0.001) and Kenya (65.9% vs 48.1%, p<0.05), SBA for Cambodia (100% vs 88.9%, p<0.05), early PNC for Cambodia (91.8% vs 72.8%, p<0.01) and Zambia (56.5% vs 16.9%, p<0.001) compared to the comparison sites. However, the findings from Guatemala illustrated significantly lower care continuum for intervention sites (aOR:0.34, 95% CI 0.28-0.42, p<0.001). The study provides some evidence on the potential of multilevel community-oriented interventions to improve adolescent healthcare seeking in rural contexts. The predictors of care continuum varied across countries, indicating the importance of contextual factors in designing interventions.