Frequency and associated factors with failure to perform the puerperal consultation in a cohort study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: to identify the frequency and factors associated with the non-realization of puerperal consultations in women resident of a medium-sized municipality in Brazil. Methods: a prospective cohort study based on data collected in two time points, the first 48h and after the 42nd day post-childbirth. In order to analyze data, proportions were compared using the chi-square test, and the adjusted analysis was performed using Poisson regression, according to a predetermined hierarchical model. Significance level was set at 5%. Results: of the 572 women included in the study, 24.8% did not perform puerperal consul-tations. The factors associated with the non-realization of puerperal consultations were: lower income (1 st tercile PR= 2.01; CI95%= 1.21-3.33 – 2 nd tercile PR= 1.94; CI95%=1.17-3.20) and schooling (≤ 8 years PR= 2.00; CI95%= 1.24-3.24), comorbidities during preg-nancy (PR= 1.45; CI95%= 1.01-2.09), realization of antenatal care in the public service (PR= 1.74; CI95%= 1.18-2.58) and non-use of contraceptive methods (PR= 3.10; CI95%=1.86-5.16). Conclusions: puerperal revision does not seem to be valued in the antenatal care, mainly in the public health system. An important inequality was identified in the provision of this service, since women more prone to recurring pregnancy and with lower income and schooling were the ones that least returned to the puerperal consultation.