title: [Factors associated with adequate prenatal care and delivery in São Tomé and Príncipe, 2008-2009].
abstract: We investigated factors associated with adequacy of prenatal and childbirth care for women in São Tomé and Príncipe. Data were analyzed from the Demographic and Health Survey on a sample of 1,326 newborn infants whose mothers were 15-49 years of age. The survey took place from September 2008 to March 2009. We used multilevel and multinomial logistic regression to analyze the association between demographic and socioeconomic factors and the target outcomes. Prenatal care was adequate in 26% of the sample, and 7% of deliveries were performed by physicians and 76% by nurses or nurse assistants. Statistically significant factors for prenatal care were birth order, maternal schooling, and index of economic well-being. The most important variables for adequate delivery were: birth order, maternal schooling, index of economic well-being, and place of residence. The study showed that socioeconomic factors have the greatest influence on adequate prenatal care and delivery. Future health policies should target social inequalities in São Tomé and Príncipe.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Intercontinental de Cabo Verde, Praia, Cabo Verde.
authors.forename: Patrícia Alexandra da Graça Dantas Dos
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.affiliation: Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
authors.forename: Claudia Cristina de Aguiar
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.affiliation: Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
authors.forename: Iuri da Costa
authors.initials: Ida C
authors.lastname: Leite
authors.affiliation: Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
authors.forename: Mariza Miranda
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Theme Filha
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001266:Atlantic Islands; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult