[Perception of prenatal care among clients of the Brazilian National Health System (SUS): a comparative study]

Cad Saude Publica. 2004 Mar-Apr;20(2):534-45. doi: 10.1590/s0102-311x2004000200022. Epub 2004 Apr 6.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

This was a comparative cross-sectional study among public prenatal care users in conventional outpatient health services and family health services, aimed at assessing perception and quality differences between the two models of health services organization according to Ministry of Health guidelines. A total of 203 pregnant women from 22 municipalities in five regions of the country were interviewed while waiting for prenatal consultation. Besides soliciting the women's opinions, we checked for possible advantages in innovative family care services in issues like access and commitment. Data revealed approval by users for key aspects related to care and consultation in both types of public facilities and suggest consistent primary care policies. Low coverage in dentistry (18.9%), gynecological preventive tests (39.6%), and HIV tests (52.6%) indicates policy obstacles. Comparatively, family health services received significantly greater approval by women on issues like quality of the last visit (p = 0.0432), maternity hospital access (p = 0.0106), vaccination schedules (p = 0.0023), drug delivery (p = 0.0053), blood glucose tests (p = 0.0309), nursing visit (p = 0.0469), and home visits (p < 0.0001).

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Delivery of Health Care / standards*
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • National Health Programs / standards*
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Care / standards*