[Adequate utilization of prenatal care at the Mexican Institute of Social Security].
OBJECTIVE
To establish what proportion of women utilize antenatal care adequately and analyze obstetric, economic, social and cultural factors related to the adequacy of antenatal care use at the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS).


METHODS
This cross-sectional study included 394 women from 12 to 49 years of age at twenty-eight to forty-two weeks of gestation. A questionnaire was applied that collected information on the following: demographic, social economic and cultural variables; knowledge about pregnancy and complications; gyneco-obstetric history, and barriers to use of antenatal health care services. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, odds ratios and logistic regression modelling.


RESULTS
Antenatal care was started during the first trimester by 75% of women, 23.8% of these made at least nine antenatal care visits (adequate utilization). Adequate utilization was associated to prenatal care in family medicine units with a computer system, knowledge and behavior regarding complications, parity, care by the same physician at IMSS, and the woman's occupation.


CONCLUSIONS
The proportion of women who utilize prenatal care adequately is low at IMSS. Information about related factors could be used in order to improve institutional programs.
Martínez-González
L
L
Programas de Enfermeria, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS).
Reyes-Frausto
S
S
García-Peña
M D
MD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
Utilización adecuada de la atención prenatal en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.