Family structure and use of prenatal care

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Alves, E (Author) Other; Silva S (Author) FMUP; Martins, S (Author) Other; Barros H (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Cadernos de Saúde Pública

Vol. 31

Pages: 1298-1304

ISSN: 0102-311X

Publisher: Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 3 Citations

Scopus - 3 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00G-EKV

DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00052114

Abstract (EN): This cross-sectional study intended to assess the use of prenatal care according to the family structure in a population with free universal access to prenatal care. In 2005-2006, the Portuguese birth cohort was assembled by the recruitment of puerperae at public maternity wards in Porto, Portugal. In the current analysis, 7,211 were included. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, and prenatal care were self-reported. Single mothers were considered as those whose household composition did not include a partner at delivery. Approximately 6% of the puerperae were single mothers. These women were more likely to have an unplanned pregnancy (OR = 6.30; 95% CI: 4.94-8.04), an inadequate prenatal care (OR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.32-4.02), and to miss the ultrasound and the intake of folic acid supplements during the first trimester of pregnancy (OR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.30-2.27; and OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.32-2.13, respectively). The adequacy and use of prenatal care was less frequent in single mothers. Educational interventions should reinforce the use and early initiation of prenatal care.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7