A INFLUÊNCIA DOS FATORES SOCIOECONÔMICOS NA ATENÇÃO À GRAVIDEZ E AO PARTO NA CIDADE DE PELOTAS, RS

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the influence of the socioeconomical factors related to pregnancy and delivery labor in the city of Pelotas-RS. Methods: A cross sectional study nested in a cohort prospective, involving mothers and children who were born in the maternities of Pelotas, from September 2002 to May 2003. The data were obtained through interviews carried out in the maternities and were analyzed through univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results: 2741 mothers were included and 70% of them had a familiar income until three minimum wages, 43% had from 5 to 8 years of schooling and 74% were white. The bivariate analysis showed that the socioeconomical factors like low income and schooling are associated with an improper prenatal care and delivery. The presence of a family member or friends during the delivery labor was frequent, but it was not during the delivery, no matter the socioeconomical level. The cesarean delivery rate was higher than the recommended (38,5%) and it was more common among white mothers with a better income and schooling. Conclusions: Care to the pregnancy and to the child-birth is not favorable to the mothers who have a low income and school level, suggesting an inversion of care. The presence of a family member during the delivery rarely occurs