Conocimientos actitudes y prácticas sobre el control prenatal, embarazadas que acuden a consulta externa del Hospital José Carrasco Arteaga, mayo- julio 2012

Abstract

Background: prenatal care is considered to be the cornerstone that allows the prevention and control of morbidity and perinatal causes of death, based on the detection and prevention of maternal health problems.- Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of prenatal care in pregnant women attending ‘Hospital José Carrasco Arteaga´s’ external consultation, May-July 2012.- Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study, where the instrument of survey was used through a previously designed form. Results and Conclusions: A total of 400 pregnant women were registered, with a mean age of 28.2 years, 69.5% married, 79.5% living in urban areas, 54.3% using a private occupancy, 51.7% multiparous with a 46.8% gestational age between 25-36 weeks.- Lack of knowledge of prenatal care was observed in 24.6% of the pregnant women, the deficiency of information on vaccines in 47.8%, 64.8% exercise, 56% travel, 44.8% dental care and personal hygiene in 16.8%. 41.8% were unaware that headaches are a sign of alarm, as well as 35.8% ignored swelling in the feet as another one. It was found that 4% expected to see the warning signs to wear off.- 1.3% disagreed on genetic diseases, and 5% on sexual intercourse. Practices are not efficient; 5.8% of women did not attend to prenatal control on time, 39.3% did not receive immunizations, 74.8% did not perform physical exercise, 6.8% received no nutritional supplements or vitamins and 46.3% did not receive dental care.- Conclusion: Women’s practices regarding prenatal care are poor and not related/based on knowledge, attitudes are good.AU