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.

Maternal mortality: protocol of a study integrated to the Birth in Brazil II survey. / Mortalidade materna: protocolo de um estudo integrado à pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II.

The Maternal Mortality Study conducts a hospital investigation of maternal deaths that occurred in 2020/2021 in the maternity hospitals sampled by the Birth in Brazil II survey, with the following objectives: estimate the maternal mortality underreporting; calculate a correction factor and the corrected (MMR); validate the causes of maternal mortality reported in the death certificate (DC); and analyze the factors associated with maternal mortality. The Birth in Brazil II includes approximately 24,250 puerperal women distributed in 465 public, private, and mixed hospitals with ≥ 100 live births/year in the five macroregions of Brazil. The Maternal Mortality Study data will be completed using the same Birth in Brazil II questionnaire, from the consultation of hospital records. Trained obstetricians will fill out a new DC (redone DC) from independent analysis of this questionnaire, comparing it to official data. The database of the investigated deaths will be related to the deaths listed in the Mortality Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, allowing the estimation of underreporting and calculation of the corrected MMR. To calculate the reliability of the causes of death, the kappa test and prevalence-adjusted kappa with 95% confidence interval will be used. A case-control study to estimate the risk factors for maternal mortality will be developed with the investigated deaths (cases) and the controls obtained in the Birth in Brazil II survey, using conditional multiple logistic regression models. We expect this research to contribute to the correction of the underreporting of maternal mortality and to a better understanding of the determinants of the persistence of a high MMR in Brazil.

O Estudo da Mortalidade Materna conduz uma investigação hospitalar dos óbitos maternos ocorridos em 2020/2021 nas maternidades amostradas na pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, com os seguintes objetivos: estimar o sub-registro da mortalidade materna e calcular um fator de correção e a razão de mortalidade materna (RMM) corrigida; validar as causas de mortalidade materna informadas na declaração de óbito (DO); e analisar os fatores associados à mortalidade materna. O Nascer no Brasil II inclui aproximadamente 24.255 puérperas distribuídas em 465 hospitais públicos, privados e mistos com ≥ 100 partos de nascidos vivos/ano nas cinco macrorregiões do país. Os dados do Estudo da Mortalidade Materna serão preenchidos utilizando o mesmo questionário do Nascer no Brasil II, a partir da consulta aos prontuários hospitalares. Obstetras treinados preencherão uma nova DO (DO refeita) a partir de análise independente desse questionário, comparando aos dados oficiais. A base de dados dos óbitos investigados será relacionada com os óbitos constantes no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade do Ministério da Saúde, permitindo a estimativa do sub-registro e cálculo da RMM corrigida. Para o cálculo da confiabilidade das causas de morte, serão utilizados os testes kappa e kappa ajustado à prevalência com intervalo de 95% de confiança. Um estudo de caso-controle para estimar os fatores de risco para mortalidade materna será desenvolvido com os óbitos investigados (casos) e os controles obtidos na pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, utilizando-se modelos de regressão logística múltipla condicional. Espera-se contribuir para a correção do sub-registro da mortalidade materna e para a melhor compreensão dos fatores determinantes da persistência de RMM elevada no Brasil.

El Estudio de Mortalidad Materna evalúa las muertes maternas ocurridas en 2020-2021 en las muestras de maternidades del encuesta Nacer en Brasil II con los objetivos de estimar el subregistro de mortalidad materna y calcular el factor de corrección y la tasa de mortalidad materna corregida (TMM); validar las causas de mortalidad materna reportadas en el certificado de defunción (CD); y analizar los factores asociados a la mortalidad materna. La Nacer en Brasil II incluye aproximadamente 24.250 mujeres puerperales, distribuidas en 465 hospitales públicos, privados y mixtos con ≥ 100 nacidos vivos/año en las cinco macrorregiones de Brasil. Los datos de Estudio de Mortalidad Materna se completarán con la información del cuestionario Nacer en Brasil II a partir de una búsqueda de los registros médicos hospitalarios. Los obstetras capacitados completarán un nuevo CD (CD rehecho) desde un análisis independiente de este cuestionario, comparándolo con los datos oficiales. La base de datos de muertes investigadas se relacionará con las muertes que constan en el Sistema de Informaciones sobre la Mortalidad del Ministerio de Salud para permitir la estimación del subregistro y el cálculo de la TMM corregida. Para calcular la exactitud de las causas de muerte, se utilizarán las pruebas kappa y kappa ajustada a la prevalencia con un intervalo de 95% de confianza. Un estudio de casos y controles se aplicará para estimar los factores de riesgo de las mortalidad materna con las muertes investigadas (casos) y los controles obtenidos en el estudio Nacer en Brasil II utilizando modelos de regresión logística múltiple condicional. Se espera que este estudio pueda contribuir a la corrección del subregistro de la mortalidad materna y a una mejor comprensión de los determinantes de la persistencia de alta TMM en Brasil.

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.

Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods during pregnancy is associated with sociodemographic, behavioral, and obstetric factors: A cohort study.

A diet based on ultra-processed food (UPF) does not meet nutritional needs, especially during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to assess the change in UPF consumption from preconception to pregnancy and associated factors. Our hypothesis is that women tend to adopt a healthier eating pattern during pregnancy, decreasing the intake of UPF and increasing the intake of unprocessed/minimally processed foods. A prospective cohort study with 326 participants was carried out from 2016 to 2019 in 2 health units in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Pregestational food consumption assessed using the food frequency questionnaire in the prenatal interview in women up to 20 gestational weeks and gestational consumption in the interview 2 months after delivery. Food items classified according to the NOVA system. For the mean variation from preconception to gestational UPF consumption, we used the generalized estimating equations model with linear distribution. Control of confounding variables was based on the literature on factors associated with UPF consumption, using a 3-level hierarchical model. The proportion of UPF energy consumption was 28.9% in preconception and 33% during pregnancy. Older and more educated women had a lower mean variation in the consumption of UPF during the pregnancy. A higher average consumption of UPF observed among women physically inactive before pregnancy, who smoked during pregnancy, were multiparous, and with had a low pregestational weight. These results reflect similar behavior to that of the general population, aggravated by a significant increase during pregnancy. However, older and more educated women and those with healthy behaviors showed lower UPF intake in pregnancy.

Factors associated with ultra-processed foods consumption in a cohort of Brazilian pregnant women.

Nutrition during pregnancy is essential for the health of the pregnant woman, the development of the fetus, and the prevention of complications related to pregnancy and the postpartum period. This study described the factors associated with high consumption of ultra-processed foods among pregnant women. This prospective cohort study was performed from February 2016 to November 2019 in two health units in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with data from 344 pregnant women. The first interview was conducted in the prenatal visit at less than 20 gestational weeks, the second at 34 gestational weeks, and the third at two months postpartum. Diet was assessed in the last interview using a food frequency questionnaire, and food items were classified according to NOVA. The percentage of ultra-processed foods consumption was estimated by tertile distribution, and the third tertile represented the highest consumption. Based on the hierarchical analysis model, the associations between ultra-processed foods consumption and sociodemographic, reproductive health, pregestational, behavioral, and pregnancy variables were assessed using a multinomial logistic regression model. Older women had lower ultra-processed foods consumption (OR = 0.33; 95%CI: 0.15-0.71). Few years of schooling (up to 7 years; OR = 5.58; 95%CI: 1.62-19.23), history of a previous childbirth (OR = 2.48; 95%CI: 1.22-5.04), history of two or more previous childbirths (OR = 7.53; 95%CI: 3.02-18.76), and no history of regular physical activity before pregnancy (OR = 2.40; 95%CI: 1.31-4.38) were risk factors. The identification of risk and protection factors allows for the establishment of control measures and encouragement of healthy practices during prenatal care.

Construct validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS): a proposal for a 12-item short version.

This study aimed to update the assessment of construct validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS). This is part of a cohort study, in which the scale was applied to 415 pregnant women. The factor structure was verified via structural equation models. Comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) were used to verify the model fit. Additionally, to test the validity of the MFAS based on external variables, generalized linear model was performed to test the association between obstetric variables, social support, and symptoms of depression with the MFAS. The reliability was analyzed via the composite reliability coefficient (CR). The 12-item short version of the Brazilian MFAS showed adequate parameters of construct validity (CFI = 0.969, TLI = 0.960 and RMSEA = 0.032, 90%CI: 0.012-0.048) and is composed of three factors ("empathy and care", "role-taking", and "interaction with the fetus") containing 12 items. The total scores of the MFAS were positively correlated with social support (p-value < 0.001) and negatively correlated with depressive symptoms (p-value = 0.007). Moreover, women who live with a partner (p-value = 0.026) and had intended pregnancies (p-value < 0.001) presented a better bond with the fetus. Regarding reliability, factors 1 and 2 showed adequate values (CR = 0.72 and CR = 0.82, respectively) and factor 3 regular value (CR = 0.63). This 12-item short version of the Brazilian MFAS may be a reliable and valid instrument for scientific studies and clinical assistance in Brazil.

Agreement between maternal self-report of birth-related information and medical records in Brazil: A comparison study between public, mixed, and private hospitals.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to assess agreement between data obtained from interviews with postpartum women and their health records about labor and birth characteristics, newborn care, and reasons for cesarean birth. METHODS: The present study analyzes the Birth in Brazil study dataset, a nationwide hospital-based survey that included 23,894 postpartum women. Reliability was assessed using kappa coefficients and 95% confidence intervals. We also calculated the proportion of specific agreement: the observed proportion of positive agreement (Ppos) and the observed proportion of negative agreement (Pneg). RESULTS: In terms of labor and birth characteristics, more significant discrepancies in prevalence were observed for fundal pressure (1.4%-42.6%), followed by amniotomy, and augmentation. All of these variables were reported more frequently by women. Reliability was nearly perfect only for mode of delivery (kappa 0.99-1.00, Ppos and Pneg >99.0%). Higher discrepancies in reasons for cesarean prevalence were observed for previous cesarean birth (CB) (3.9%-10.4%) and diabetes mellitus (0.5%-8.5%). Most kappa coefficients for CB reasons were moderate to substantial. Lower coefficients were seen for diabetes mellitus, induction failure, and prelabor rupture of membranes and Pneg was consistently higher than Ppos. DISCUSSION: Our findings raise relevant questions about the quality of information shared with women during and after the process of care for labor and birth, as well as the information recorded in medical charts. Not having access to full information about their own health status at birth may impair women's health promotion behaviors or clear disclosure of risk factors in future interactions with the healthcare system.

Construct validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS): a proposal for a 12-item short version / Validade de construto e confiabilidade da versão brasileira da Escala de Apego Materno-Fetal (MFAS): uma proposta para uma versão curta de 12 itens / Validez de constructo y confiabilidad de la versión brasileña de la Escala de Apego Materno Fetal (MFAS): una propuesta para una versión corta de 12 ítems

This study aimed to update the assessment of construct validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS). This is part of a cohort study, in which the scale was applied to 415 pregnant women. The factor structure was verified via structural equation models. Comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) were used to verify the model fit. Additionally, to test the validity of the MFAS based on external variables, generalized linear model was performed to test the association between obstetric variables, social support, and symptoms of depression with the MFAS. The reliability was analyzed via the composite reliability coefficient (CR). The 12-item short version of the Brazilian MFAS showed adequate parameters of construct validity (CFI = 0.969, TLI = 0.960 and RMSEA = 0.032, 90%CI: 0.012-0.048) and is composed of three factors ("empathy and care", "role-taking", and "interaction with the fetus") containing 12 items. The total scores of the MFAS were positively correlated with social support (p-value < 0.001) and negatively correlated with depressive symptoms (p-value = 0.007). Moreover, women who live with a partner (p-value = 0.026) and had intended pregnancies (p-value < 0.001) presented a better bond with the fetus. Regarding reliability, factors 1 and 2 showed adequate values (CR = 0.72 and CR = 0.82, respectively) and factor 3 regular value (CR = 0.63). This 12-item short version of the Brazilian MFAS may be a reliable and valid instrument for scientific studies and clinical assistance in Brazil.

O objetivo deste estudo foi atualizar a avaliação da validade de construto e confiabilidade da versão brasileira da Escala de Apego Materno-Fetal (MFAS). Esta pesquisa faz parte de um estudo de coorte, no qual o instrumento foi aplicado a 415 gestantes. A estrutura fatorial foi verificada por meio de modelos de equações estruturais e o índice de ajuste comparativo (CFI), o índice de Tucker-Lewis (TLI) e a raiz do erro quadrático médio de aproximação (RMSEA) foram utilizados para verificar o ajuste do modelo. Além disso, para testar a validade da MFAS com base em variáveis externas, foi utilizado um modelo linear generalizado para testar a associação entre variáveis obstétricas, suporte social e sintomas de depressão com a MFAS. A confiabilidade foi analisada por meio do coeficiente de confiabilidade composta (CC). A versão curta de 12 itens da MFAS brasileira apresentou parâmetros adequados de validade de construto (CFI = 0,969; TLI = 0,960; RMSEA = 0,032; IC90%: 0,012-0,048) e é composta por três fatores ("empatia e cuidado", "desempenhando um papel" e "interagindo com o feto") e 12 itens. Os escores totais da MFAS correlacionaram-se positivamente com o suporte social (p < 0,001) e negativamente com sintomas depressivos (p = 0,007). Além disso, as mulheres que vivem com um parceiro (p = 0,026) e tiveram a intenção de engravidar (p < 0,001) têm melhor vínculo. Em relação à confiabilidade, os fatores 1 e 2 apresentaram valores adequados (CC = 0,72 e CC = 0,82, respectivamente) e o fator 3, um valor regular (CC = 0,63). Esta versão curta de 12 itens da MFAS parece ser um instrumento confiável e válido para ser aplicado em pesquisa científica e assistência clínica no Brasil.

El objetivo de este estudio fue actualizar la evaluación de la validez de constructo y confiabilidad de la versión brasileña de la Escala de Apego Materno-Fetal (MFAS). Esta investigación es parte de un estudio de cohorte, en el que el instrumento se aplicó a 415 mujeres embarazadas. La estructura factorial se verificó mediante modelos de ecuaciones estructurales y se utilizaron el índice de ajuste comparativo (CFI), el índice de Tucker-Lewis (TLI) y la raíz de error cuadrado medio (RMSE) para verificar el ajuste del modelo. Además, para probar la validez de la MFAS en función de variables externas, utilizamos un modelo lineal generalizado para evaluar la asociación entre las variables obstétricas, el apoyo social y los síntomas de depresión con la MFAS. La confiabilidad se analizó mediante el coeficiente de confiabilidad compuesto (CC). La versión corta de 12 ítems de la MFAS brasileña presentó parámetros adecuados de validez de constructo (CFI = 0,969; TLI = 0,960; RMSE = 0,032; IC90%: 0,012-0,048) y está compuesta por tres factores ("empatía y cuidado", "toma de papeles" e "interacción con el feto") y 12 ítems. Las puntuaciones totales de MFAS se correlacionaron positivamente con el apoyo social (p < 0,001) y negativamente con los síntomas depresivos (p = 0,007). Además, las mujeres que viven con una pareja (p = 0,026) y tuvieron la intención de quedar embarazadas (p < 0,001) tienen un mejor vínculo. En relación con la confiabilidad, los factores 1 y 2 presentaron valores adecuados (CC = 0,72 y CC = 0,82, respectivamente) y el factor 3, un valor regular (CC = 0,63). Esta versión corta de 12 ítems del MFAS parece ser un instrumento fiable y válido para ser aplicado en la investigación científica y la atención clínica en Brasil.

Factors associated with ultra-processed foods consumption in a cohort of Brazilian pregnant women / Fatores associados ao consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados em uma coorte de gestantes brasileiras / Factores asociados al consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados en una cohorte de gestantes brasileñas

Nutrition during pregnancy is essential for the health of the pregnant woman, the development of the fetus, and the prevention of complications related to pregnancy and the postpartum period. This study described the factors associated with high consumption of ultra-processed foods among pregnant women. This prospective cohort study was performed from February 2016 to November 2019 in two health units in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with data from 344 pregnant women. The first interview was conducted in the prenatal visit at less than 20 gestational weeks, the second at 34 gestational weeks, and the third at two months postpartum. Diet was assessed in the last interview using a food frequency questionnaire, and food items were classified according to NOVA. The percentage of ultra-processed foods consumption was estimated by tertile distribution, and the third tertile represented the highest consumption. Based on the hierarchical analysis model, the associations between ultra-processed foods consumption and sociodemographic, reproductive health, pregestational, behavioral, and pregnancy variables were assessed using a multinomial logistic regression model. Older women had lower ultra-processed foods consumption (OR = 0.33; 95%CI: 0.15-0.71). Few years of schooling (up to 7 years; OR = 5.58; 95%CI: 1.62-19.23), history of a previous childbirth (OR = 2.48; 95%CI: 1.22-5.04), history of two or more previous childbirths (OR = 7.53; 95%CI: 3.02-18.76), and no history of regular physical activity before pregnancy (OR = 2.40; 95%CI: 1.31-4.38) were risk factors. The identification of risk and protection factors allows for the establishment of control measures and encouragement of healthy practices during prenatal care.

A nutrição durante a gravidez é essencial para a saúde da gestante, o desenvolvimento do bebê e a prevenção de complicações relacionadas à gravidez e ao pós-parto. Este estudo descreveu os fatores associados ao alto consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados entre gestantes. Trata-se de uma coorte prospectiva realizada de fevereiro de 2016 a novembro de 2019, em duas unidades de saúde do Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, que analisou dados de 344 gestantes. A primeira entrevista foi realizada na consulta pré-natal com menos de 20 semanas de gestação, a segunda com 34 semanas de gestação e a terceira dois meses após o parto. A dieta foi avaliada na última entrevista por meio de um questionário de frequência alimentar e os itens alimentares foram classificados de acordo com a classificação NOVA. O percentual de consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados foi calculado em tercis de distribuição, dos quais o terceiro tercil representou o maior consumo. Com base no modelo de análise hierárquica, as associações entre o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e variáveis sociodemográficas, de saúde reprodutiva, pré-gestacionais, comportamentais e gestacionais foram investigadas usando um modelo de regressão logística multinomial. Mulheres mais velhas apresentaram menor consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados (OR = 0,33; IC95%: 0,15-0,71). Os fatores de risco foram baixa escolaridade (até sete anos; OR = 5,58; IC95%: 1,62-19,23), histórico de parto anterior (OR = 2,48; IC95%: 1,22-5,04), histórico de dois ou mais partos anteriores (OR = 7,53; IC95%: 3,02-18,76) e ausência de histórico de atividade física regular antes da gestação (OR = 2,40; IC95%: 1,31-4,38). A identificação de fatores de risco e proteção permite o estabelecimento de medidas de controle e o incentivo a práticas saudáveis durante o pré-natal.

La nutrición durante el embarazo es esencial para la salud de la futura madre, el desarrollo del bebé y la prevención de complicaciones relacionadas con el embarazo y el posparto. Este estudio describió los factores asociados con el alto consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados entre las mujeres embarazadas. Se trata de una cohorte prospectiva realizada entre febrero de 2016 y noviembre de 2019, en dos unidades de salud de la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, Brasil, que analizó datos de 344 gestantes. La primera entrevista se realizó en la visita prenatal a las 20 semanas de gestación, la segunda a las 34 semanas de gestación y la tercera dos meses después del parto. La dieta se evaluó en la última entrevista mediante un cuestionario de frecuencia de alimentos y los alimentos se clasificaron de acuerdo con la clasificación NOVA. El porcentaje de consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados se calculó en terciles de distribución, de los cuales el tercer tercil representó el mayor consumo. Con base en el modelo de análisis jerárquico, se investigaron las asociaciones entre el consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y las variables sociodemográficas, de salud reproductiva, previas al embarazo, conductuales y gestacionales mediante un modelo de regresión logística multinomial. Las mujeres mayores presentaron menor consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados (OR = 0,33; IC95%: 0,15-0,71). Los factores de riesgo fueron bajo nivel educativo (hasta siete años; OR = 5,58; IC95%: 1,62-19,23), antecedentes de parto previo (OR = 2,48; IC95%: 1,22-5,04), antecedentes de dos o más partos previos (OR = 7,53; IC95%: 3,02-18,76) y sin antecedentes de actividad física regular antes del embarazo (OR = 2,40; IC95%: 1,31-4,38). La identificación de factores de riesgo y protección permite el establecimiento de medidas de control y el fomento de prácticas saludables durante la atención prenatal.

Physical violence against women by their intimate partner during pregnancy and its relationship with breastfeeding / Violência física contra a mulher pelo parceiro durante a gravidez e sua relação com o aleitamento materno

Abstract Objectives: to estimate the association between physical violence against women by their intimate partner during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Methods: the data source is the 2010 National Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) conducted in Colombia, and 11,416 mother-child dyads were analysed. The relationship between physical violence against women by their partner during pregnancy and breastfeeding indicators was carried out using the weighted propensity score from the Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting (IPTW). Variables for adjustment were selected through the Directed Acyclic Diagram (DAG) and performed a sensitivity analysis to identify the strength of hidden bias. Results: according to the data, 6.4% (730) of the women suffered physical violence by their partner during their pregnancy. The median time of exclusive breastfeeding was 1.0 month. No statistically significant relationship was observed with any of the breastfeeding indicators analysed: exclusive breastfeeding (OR=1.17; CI95%=0.82-1.67); breastfeeding at any time (OR=1.61; CI95%=0.58-2.60); and initiation of breastfeeding (OR=1.07; CI95%=0.74-1.2) Conclusion: although the association between violence against women committed during pregnancy and breastfeeding indicators was not found, the suboptimal breastfeeding practices and high prevalence of violence against women by the partner are two major public health issues in Colombia. Prenatal care professionals can change this scenario by identifying women exposed to intimate partner violence and offering tailored support for breastfeeding practices.

Resumo Objetivos: estimar a associação entre a violência física contra a mulher durante a gravidez pelo parceiro íntimo e o aleitamento materno. Métodos: o estudo analisou os dados de 11.416 díades mãe-filho na Pesquisa Nacional de Demografa e Saúde (ENDS) realizada na Colômbia em 2010. Utilizou-se o escore de propensão com o Inverso da Probabilidade Ponderada do Tratamento (IPTW) para estimar o efeito da violência física contra a mulher pelo parceiro durante a gravidez e o aleitamento materno. Através de um Diagrama Acíclico Direcionado (DAG) foram selecionadas as variáveis para ajuste do modelo.Análise de sensibilidade foi realizada para identificar a presença de viés oculto. Resultados: segundo os dados analisados, 6,4% das mulheres sofreram violência física pelo parceiro durante a gravidez. O tempo mediano de aleitamento materno exclusivo foi de 1 mês. Não houve relação estatisticamente significante entre a violência física contra a mulher com os indicadores de aleitamento materno analisados: aleitamento materno exclusivo (OR= 1,17; IC95%= 0,82 - 1,67), aleitamento materno em algum momento (OR=1,61; IC95%= 0,58 - 2,60) e início do aleitamento materno (OR=1,07; IC95%= 0,74 - 1,2) Conclusão: embora não se tenha encontrado associação entre a violência física contra a mulher pelo parceiro durante a gravidez e o aleitamento materno, práticas insuficientes de aleitamento materno e a existência da violência contra a mulher pelo parceiro ainda permanecem como problemas de saúde pública na Colômbia. Os profissionais da assistência pré-natal podem mudar esse cenário, identificando mulheres expostas à violência praticada pelo parceiro íntimo e oferecendo suporte individualizado para as práticas de aleitamento materno.

Pregestational overweight and obesity and symptoms of postpartum depression: Data from the Birth in Brazil Study.

BACKGROUND: Relationship between pregestational overweight and obesity and symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) has been documented in developed countries. In middle and low-income countries the studies are scarce and the pattern of findings is more mixed. Our objective is to assess the effect of pregestational overweight and obesity on development symptoms of PPD in a nationwide Brazilian study. METHODS: The study included 23,894 puerperal women, from 2011 to 2012. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was applied from 6 to 18 months postpartum, with ≥13 points as the cutoff. Classification of pregestational nutritional status followed the method recommended by the Institute of Medicine. Confounding variables were identified using directed acyclic graph (DAG), and propensity score estimated the effect of nutritional status on PPD symptoms. RESULTS: Prevalence of PPD was 26.3%. Women with excess weight represented nearly 32% of the sample. In the crude analysis, women with pregestational obesity showed 23% higher odds of developing symptoms of PPD when compared to those with normal weight (OR=1.23 CI 95% 1.04-1.45). There was a loss of statistical significance after propensity score analysis (OR=1.14 CI 95% 0.91-1.42). LIMITATIONS: The symptoms of PPD were measured in a single moment, and sensitivity analysis revealed the existence of omitted or non-measured variables potentially modifying these estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Although we did not find a relationship between pregestational nutritional status and depressive symptoms, the results are important because of the problem's magnitude. Future studies should aim at a more comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between the variables.

Transcultural adaptation to the Brazilian Portuguese of the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire for assessing the postpartum bond between mother and baby.

The establishment of the bond between mother and baby in the postpartum period is important for ensuring the physical and psychological health of both. This short communication reports the first phase of the cross-cultural translation and adaptation to the Brazilian context of the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ). Four aspects of equivalence between the original scale and the Portuguese version were evaluated: the conceptual, semantic, operational and item equivalences. Literature review, the study of PBQ history, translation, expert evaluation, back-translation and pretests involving 30 mothers with children aging up to 7 months using a primary healthcare unit were conducted. Each step demonstrated the need for adjustments, which were made during the adaptation process. At the end of the study, a version of PBQ in Brazilian Portuguese equivalent to the original one was obtained, offering promise for national studies on the mother-baby bond, and its influence on health, and for use in health services.

Transcultural adaptation to the Brazilian Portuguese of the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire for assessing the postpartum bond between mother and baby / Adaptação transcultural para o português do Brasil do Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire para avaliação do vínculo no pós-parto entre mãe e bebê / Adaptación transcultural al portugués brasileño del Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire para evaluar el vínculo en el posparto entre la madre y el bebé

Abstract: The establishment of the bond between mother and baby in the postpartum period is important for ensuring the physical and psychological health of both. This short communication reports the first phase of the cross-cultural translation and adaptation to the Brazilian context of the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ). Four aspects of equivalence between the original scale and the Portuguese version were evaluated: the conceptual, semantic, operational and item equivalences. Literature review, the study of PBQ history, translation, expert evaluation, back-translation and pretests involving 30 mothers with children aging up to 7 months using a primary healthcare unit were conducted. Each step demonstrated the need for adjustments, which were made during the adaptation process. At the end of the study, a version of PBQ in Brazilian Portuguese equivalent to the original one was obtained, offering promise for national studies on the mother-baby bond, and its influence on health, and for use in health services.

Resumo: O estabelecimento do vínculo entre mãe e bebê no período pós-parto é importante para garantir a saúde física e psicológica de ambos. Esta artigo relata a primeira fase da tradução e adaptação transcultural ao contexto brasileiro do Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ). Quatro aspectos de equivalência entre a escala original e a versão em português foram avaliados: as equivalências conceitual, semântica, operacional e de item. Foi realizada revisão de literatura, estudo da história do PBQ, tradução, avaliação por especialistas, retrotradução e pré-testes envolvendo 30 mães com crianças com até sete meses de idade, que utilizaram unidades básicas de saúde. Cada passo demonstrou a necessidade de ajustes, que foram feitos durante o processo de adaptação. Ao final do estudo, obteve-se uma versão do PBQ em português do Brasil equivalente à original, possibilitando estudos nacionais sobre o vínculo mãe-bebê e sua influência na saúde e uso nos serviços de saúde.

Resumen: El establecimiento del vínculo entre la madre y el bebé en el período posparto es importante para garantizar la salud física y psicológica de ambos. Este artículo informa la primera fase de la traducción y adaptación transcultural al contexto brasileño del Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ). Se evaluaron cuatro aspectos de la equivalencia entre la escala original y la versión en portugués: las equivalencias conceptuales, semánticas, operacionales y de ítem. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura, el estudio de la historia de PBQ, la traducción, la evaluación de expertos, la retrotraducción y los exámenes previos que involucraron a 30 madres con niños de hasta siete meses que usaban una unidad de salud primaria. Cada paso demostró la necesidad de ajustes, que se realizaron durante el proceso de adaptación. Al final del estudio, se obtuvo una versión de PBQ en portugués de Brasil equivalente a la original, permitiendo estudios nacionales sobre el vínculo madre-bebé, y su influencia en la salud, y para su uso en los servicios de salud.

Regional and social inequalities in the performance of Pap test and screening mammography and their correlation with lifestyle: Brazilian national health survey, 2013.

BACKGROUND: Mass population screening for the early detection of cervical and breast cancer has been shown to be a safe and effective strategy worldwide and has reduced the incidence and mortality rates of these diseases. The aim of this study is to analyse the reach of screening tests for cervical and breast cancer according to sociodemographic variables and to analyse their correlation with a healthy lifestyle. METHODS: We have analysed data collected from 31.845 women aged 18 and over, who were interviewed for the Brazilian National Health Survey, a nationwide household inquiry, which took place between August 2013 and February 2014. The Pap tests performed in the last 3 years in women aged between 25 and 64 and screening mammogram performed in the last 2 years in women aged between 50 and 69 were considered adequate. We identified habits that constitute a healthy lifestyle, such as the consumption of five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables, 30 min or more of leisurely physical activity and not smoking. RESULTS: We observed that the Pap test (78.8 %) was more widespread than the screening mammogram (54.5 %), with significant geographical and social differences concerning access to health care. Access for such screening was higher for women living in more developed regions (Southeast and South), who were white-skinned, better educated, living with a partner and, especially, who were covered by private health insurance. Those who underwent the tests according to established protocols also had a healthy lifestyle, which corroborates the healthy behaviour pattern of damage prevention. CONCLUSION: Despite the progress made, social disparity still defines access to screening tests for cervical and breast cancer, with women covered by private health insurance tending to benefit the most. It is necessary to reduce social and regional inequalities and ensure a more uniform provision and access to the tests, especially for socially disadvantaged women, in order to reduce the incidence and mortality rate resulting from the aforementioned diseases.

Factors associated with unintended pregnancy in Brazil: cross-sectional results from the Birth in Brazil National Survey, 2011/2012.

BACKGROUND: Unintended pregnancy, a pregnancy that have been either unwanted or mistimed, is a serious public health issue in Brazil. It is reported for more than half of women who gave birth in the country, but the characteristics of women who conceive unintentionally are rarely documented. The aim of this study is to analyse the prevalence and the association between unintended pregnancy and a set of sociodemographic characteristics, individual-level variables and history of obstetric outcomes. METHODS: Birth in Brazil is a cross-sectional study with countrywide representation that interviewed 23,894 women after birth. The information about intendedness of pregnancy was obtained after birth at the hospital and classified into three categories: intended, mistimed or unwanted. Multinomial regression analysis was used to estimate the associations between intendedness of a pregnancy, and sociodemographic and obstetric variables, calculating odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals. All significant variables in the bivariate analysis were included in the multinomial multivariate model and the final model retaining variables that remained significant at the 5 % level. RESULTS: Unintended pregnancy was reported by 55.4 % of postpartum women. The following variables maintained positive and significant statistical associations with mistimed pregnancy: maternal age < 20 years (OR = 1.89, 95 % CI: 1.68-2.14); brown (OR = 1.15, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.27) or yellow skin color (OR = 1.56, 95 % CI: 1.05-2.32); having no partner (OR = 2.32, 95 % CI: 1.99-2.71); having no paid job (OR = 1.15, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.27); alcohol abuse with risk of alcoholism (OR = 1.25, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.50) and having had three or more births (OR = 2.01, 95 % CI: 1.63-2.47). The same factors were associated with unwanted pregnancy, though the strength of the associations was generally stronger. Women with three or more births were 14 times more likely to have an unwanted pregnancy, and complication in the previous pregnancies and preterm birth were 40 % and 19 % higher, respectively. Previous neonatal death was a protective factor for both mistimed (OR = 0.61, 95 % CI: 0.44-0.85) and unwanted pregnancy (OR = 0.44, 95 % CI: 0.34-0.57). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms findings from previous research about the influence of socioeconomic and individual risk factors on unintended pregnancy. It takes a new approach to the problem by showing the importance of previous neonatal death, preterm birth and complication during pregnancy as risk factors for unintended pregnancy.

Labor and birth care by nurse with midwifery skills in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The participation of nurses and midwives in vaginal birth care is limited in Brazil, and there are no national data regarding their involvement. The goal was to describe the participation of nurses and nurse-midwives in childbirth care in Brazil in the years 2011 and 2012, and to analyze the association between hospitals with nurses and nurse-midwives in labor and birth care and the use of good practices, and their influence in the reduction of unnecessary interventions, including cesarean sections. METHODS: Birth in Brazil is a national, population-based study consisting of 23,894 postpartum women, carried out in the period between February 2011 and October 2012, in 266 healthcare settings. The study included all vaginal births involving physicians or nurses/nurse-midwives. A logistic regression model was used to examine the association between the implementation of good practices and suitable interventions during labor and birth, and whether care was a physician or a nurse/nurse-midwife led care. We developed another model to assess the association between the use of obstetric interventions during labor and birth to the personnel responsible for the care of the patient, comparing hospitals with decisions revolving exclusively around a physician to those that also included nurses/nurse-midwives as responsible for vaginal births. RESULTS: 16.2 % of vaginal births were assisted by a nurse/nurse-midwife. Good practices were significantly more frequent in those births assisted by nurses/nurse-midwives (ad lib. diet, mobility during labor, non-pharmacological means of pain relief, and use of a partograph), while some interventions were less frequently used (anesthesia, lithotomy position, uterine fundal pressure and episiotomy). In maternity wards that included a nurse/nurse-midwife in labour and birth care, the incidence of cesarean section was lower. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study illustrate the potential benefit of collaborative work between physicians and nurses/nurse-midwives in labor and birth care. The adoption of good practices in managing labor and birth could be the first step toward more effective obstetric and midwifery care in Brazil. It may be easier to introduce new approaches rather than to eliminate old ones, which may explain why the reduction of unnecessary interventions during labor and birth was less pronounced than the adoption of new practices.

Good practices according to WHO's recommendation for normal labor and birth and women's assessment of the care received: the "birth in Brazil" national research study, 2011/2012.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends good practices for the conduct of uncomplicated labor and birth, with the aim of improving the quality of and assessment by women of childbirth care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between adoption of good practices according to WHO's recommendation for normal labor and birth and assessment by women of the care received. METHODS: Birth in Brazil is a national hospital-based study with countrywide representation consisting of 23,894 mothers and their newborns, conducted between February 2011 and October 2012. The present study analysed a subsample of this national survey. Postpartum women classified as low risk during pregnancy who had experienced either spontaneous or induced labor were included in this study, totalling 4102 mothers. To estimate the association between assessment by women of the childbirth care received (dependent variable) and good practices according to WHO's recommendation during normal labor and birth (independent variables), a multinomial logistic regression analysis was used and crude and adjusted odds ratios calculated with their 95 % confidence intervals. RESULTS: The good practices associated with positive assessment of the care received by women during labor and birth included the partner's presence, privacy in the birthing place, time available to ask questions, clarity of information received, and empathic support from caregivers during labor and birth. Freedom of movement, free nutrition offered, choice of companions, nonpharmacological analgesia, skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding in the childbirth room were not associated with the assessment by women of the care received. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal the importance to mothers of their relationship with the team of caregivers during labor and birth. Therefore, caregiver teams must be qualified within a more humanistic vision of childbirth health care.

Factors associated with postpartum depressive symptomatology in Brazil: The Birth in Brazil National Research Study, 2011/2012.

BACKGROUND: Depression is one of the most common postpartum mental disorders. Many sociodemographic and individuals risk factors are associated with maternal depression but the impact of high levels of birth intervention is unclear. The Brazilian context is characterized by excessive intervention and frequent non-compliance with recommended obstetric protocols. This study therefore examined the impact of sociodemographic, individual, and obstetric risk factors in postpartum depression. METHODS: The Birth in Brazil research study is a national study of 23,894 postpartum women. Information about depression was obtained by telephone interview at 6-18 months after birth and was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of probable cases of depression was 26.3%. A multiple logistic regression model identified significant sociodemographic and individual risk factors as: brown skin color (OR=1.15 CI 1.01-1.31), lower economic class (OR=1.70 CI 1.41-2.06), alcohol use (OR=1.41 CI 1.09-1.84) and a history of mental disorders (OR=3.13 CI 1.80-5.44). Significant obstetric factors were unplanned pregnancy (OR=1.22 CI 1.05-1.43 for wanted later and OR=1.38 CI 1.20-1.60 for never wanted), multiparity (OR=1.97 CI 1.58-2.47 for 3 or more children), and poor care during birth (OR=2.02 CI 1.28-3.20) or of the newborn (OR=2.16 CI 1.51-3.10). Obstetric interventions and complications were not associated with maternal depression. LIMITATIONS: Depression was measured only once so we are not able to examine the course over time. The associational and reverse causality cannot be ruled out for some variables. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of postpartum depression is high in Brazilian women six months after birth. Poor care of women and babies during birth is more important in postpartum depression than physical obstetric or neonatal intervention and complications.

Prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e associação com autoavaliação de saúde: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013 / Prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases and association with self-rated health: National Health Survey, 2013

Resumo: Objetivo: Analisar o perfil de dez doenças crônicas não transmissíveis investigadas na Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde realizada no Brasil em 2013 e sua associação com a autoavaliação da saúde. Métodos: Estudo transversal de base populacional e abrangência nacional com 60.202 indivíduos com 18 anos ou mais. Foi utilizado processo amostral por conglomerado com três estágios de seleção: setor censitário, domicílio e indivíduo. Calculou-se a prevalência das doenças crônicas e os intervalos de confiança de 95% por idade, sexo e escolaridade, a idade média do primeiro diagnóstico e a proporção de limitação das atividades habituais. Para testar a associação com a autoavaliação de saúde, utilizou-se o procedimento de regressão logística ajustada por sexo e idade. Resultados: As doenças mais prevalentes foram hipertensão arterial (21,4%), depressão (7,6%), artrite (6,4%) e diabetes mellitus (6,2%). Indivíduos com diagnóstico de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) referiram maior limitação das atividades habituais (38,6%). Observou-se um gradiente na prevalência segundo idade e escolaridade, e todas as doenças foram mais frequentes entre as mulheres. Pior autoavaliação de saúde foi encontrada entre aqueles com diagnóstico de AVC (OR = 3,60; valor de p < 0,001) e nos que referiram duas doenças (OR = 5,53; valor de p < 0,001) ou três ou mais doenças (OR = 10,86; valor de p < 0,001). Conclusões: Por se tratar de doenças associadas a fatores de risco modificáveis, a prevenção com foco populacional é a melhor estratégia para redução da carga dessas doenças.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To analyze the profile of 10 chronic noncommunicable diseases investigated in the National Health Survey carried out in Brazil in 2013 and their association with the self-rated health. Methods: A cross-sectional, population-based nationwide study with 60,202 individuals aged 18 years old or more. Sampling process by conglomerate was carried out in three stages of selection: census tract, household, and individual. The prevalence of chronic diseases by age, gender and educational status and the confidence intervals of 95% , the mean age at the first diagnosis and the proportion of limitation of the usual activities were calculated. To test the association with self-rated health, the logistic regression procedure adjusted for gender and age was used. Results: The more prevalent diseases were hypertension (21.4%), depression (7.6%), arthritis (6.4%), and diabetes mellitus (6.2%). Individuals diagnosed with stroke reported greater limitations in the daily activities (38.6%). There was a gradient in the prevalence by age and educational level, and all the diseases were more frequent among women. A worse self-rated health was observed among those with a diagnosis of stroke (OR = 3.60; p < 0.001) and those who referred two diseases (OR = 5.53; p < 0.001) or three or more diseases (OR = 10.86; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Because these diseases are associated with modifiable risk factors, the prevention with population focus is the best strategy to reduce the burden of these diseases.

[Factors associated with adequate prenatal care and delivery in São Tomé and Príncipe, 2008-2009]. / Fatores associados à adequação do cuidado pré-natal e à assistência ao parto em São Tomé e Príncipe, 2008-2009.

We investigated factors associated with adequacy of prenatal and childbirth care for women in São Tomé and Príncipe. Data were analyzed from the Demographic and Health Survey on a sample of 1,326 newborn infants whose mothers were 15-49 years of age. The survey took place from September 2008 to March 2009. We used multilevel and multinomial logistic regression to analyze the association between demographic and socioeconomic factors and the target outcomes. Prenatal care was adequate in 26% of the sample, and 7% of deliveries were performed by physicians and 76% by nurses or nurse assistants. Statistically significant factors for prenatal care were birth order, maternal schooling, and index of economic well-being. The most important variables for adequate delivery were: birth order, maternal schooling, index of economic well-being, and place of residence. The study showed that socioeconomic factors have the greatest influence on adequate prenatal care and delivery. Future health policies should target social inequalities in São Tomé and Príncipe.