Prenatal care and pregnancy outcomes: A cross-sectional study in Luanda, Angola

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Nimi, T (Author) Other; Sílvia Fraga (Author) FMUP; Costa, D (Author) Other; Campos, P (Author) Other; Barros H (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Vol. 135

Pages: S72-S78

ISSN: 0020-7292

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 17 Citations

Scopus - 17 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00M-6JY

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2016.08.013

Abstract (EN): Objective: To describe prenatal care in Angolan women delivered at a large tertiary care unit, and to explore the association between prenatal care and selected perinatal outcomes. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study between December 2012 and February 2013, involving 995 women aged 13-46 years, delivered at Lucrecia Paim Maternity, Luanda. Trained interviewers collected information on timing, frequency, place, and satisfaction with pre-natal care; sociodemographic and clinical characteristics; birth weight; and gestational age. Logistic regression models were fitted, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (OR, 95% CI) estimated. Results: Quantitatively inadequate prenatal care (<4 visits) was more common in younger, less educated, poorer women, followed in public institutions, and those who felt more dissatisfied with care. More visits, both in primiparas and multiparas, were independently associated with more cesarean deliveries. After adjustment, having fewer than four visits was significantly associated with low birth weight (OR 2.00; 95% CI, 1.15-3.50) and preterm delivery (OR 2.74; 95% CI, 1.69-4.44 for 2-4 visits); similar associations were found regarding late entrance into care. Conclusion: Early entrance into prenatal care and the recommended number of visits are major determinants of mode of delivery and pregnancy outcomes, constituting targets to improve perinatal health.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7