Factors associated with mode of delivery in puerperal women assisted by Primary Health Care

Abstract

Objectives: To analyze the factors associated with mode of delivery in puerperal women assisted by Primary Health Care in a municipality in the north of Minas Gerais. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted with 188 puerperal women in the city of Montes Claros, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data were obtained with a structured questionnaire about the sociodemographic profile and obstetric history. Descriptive analysis was performed and, for the analysis of factors associated with the mode of delivery, the Pearson’s chi-square test was used. Results: The prevalence of vaginal deliveries was 56.4% (n=106) and 43.6% (n=82) of cesarean sections. Of the 82 (43.6%) women who were subjected to cesarean section, the main reasons for cesarean section reported by the puerperal women were: cephalopelvic disproportion (40.2%; n=33), elevated blood pressure levels (13.4%; n=11), and previous cesarean section (12.2%; n=10). A significant association was found between choice of cesarean delivery and higher maternal age (p=0.031), skin color (p=0.045), high income (p=0.015), and public financing of delivery (p=0.041). Conclusion: Vaginal route prevailed among puerperal women, but a high prevalence of cesarean sections was observed, which showed that higher maternal age, skin color, high income, and public financing of childbirth influence the mode of delivery. The information obtained in this study can be used to improve the assistance to pregnant women and puerperal women, especially in pregnant women more susceptible to unnecessary cesarean sections.

Keywords

• cesarean section
• natural childbirth
• primary health care