The Influence of Socioeconomic Characteristics on the Obstetric Profile of New Mothers

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the number of prenatal consultations, the type of delivery, the number of pregnancies, and a set of socioeconomic variables. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted at a maternity facility in the town of São Mateus, which is located in the northern region of the Department of Espirito Santo (Brazil). The sample was comprised 323 new mothers. Results: There was a statistical significance (p <0.05) when the number of prenatal consultations was related to age range, marital status, race/color, family income, level of education, occupation, and admission status. There was no statistical significance between the variables of economic level and number of prenatal consultations (p> 0.05). It is noteworthy that no significant association (p> 0.05) was found between the type of delivery and the variables of age group, race/color, and occupation. The type of delivery was statistically significant when it was associated with marital status, family income, economic level, level of education, and admission status (p <0.05). There was statistical significance when the number of pregnancies was linked to race/color, family income, economic level, and admission status (p> 0.05). Conclusions: Socioeconomic characteristics can influence the number of prenatal consultations, the number of pregnancies and the type of delivery.