Implementação da presença de acompanhantes durante a internação para o parto: dados da pesquisa nacional Nascer no Brasil

An investigation into the acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, and fidelity of implementation strategies for birth companionship in Tehran: a qualitative inquiry on mitigating mistreatment of women during childbirth

BACKGROUND

A birth companion is a powerful mechanism for preventing mistreatment during childbirth and is a key component of respectful maternity care (RMC). Despite a growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of birth companions in enhancing the quality of care and birth experience, the successful implementation of this practice continues to be a challenge, particularly in developing countries. Our aim was to investigate the acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, and fidelity of implementation strategies for birth companions to mitigate the mistreatment of women during childbirth in Tehran.

METHODS

This exploratory descriptive qualitative study was conducted between April and August 2023 at Valiasr Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Fifty-two face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of women, birth companions, and maternity healthcare providers. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis, with a deductive approach based on the Implementation Outcomes Framework in the MAXQDA 18.

RESULTS

Participants found the implemented program to be acceptable and beneficial, however the implementation team noticed that some healthcare providers were initially reluctant to support it and perceived it as an additional burden. However, its adoption has increased over time. Healthcare providers felt that the program was appropriate and feasible, and it improved satisfaction with care and the birth experience. Participants, however, highlighted several issues that need to be addressed. These include the need for training birth companions prior to entering the maternity hospital, informing women about the role of birth companions, assigning a dedicated midwife to provide training, and addressing any physical infrastructure concerns.

CONCLUSION

Despite some issues raised by the participants, the acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, and fidelity of the implementation strategies for birth companions to mitigate the mistreatment of women during childbirth were well received. Future research should explore the sustainability of this program. The findings of this study can be used to support the implementation of birth companions in countries with comparable circumstances.

The role and effect of companions during childbirth in Oman

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence that a companionship is an important tool for improving the quality of care provided to pregnant women during the labour and delivery process. The literature review shows very limited studies assessing the role of companions during childbirth from the companion's point of view. Many published papers studied the role and satisfaction of pregnant women but not their companions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the role and effect of companions during childbirth in Oman.

METHODS

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman, between June 2022 and April 2023. Companions were interviewed face-to-face at a time convenient to them. A telephone interview was conducted with those who left the hospital early. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic data and other sections, including the nature of the help provided by the supportive companion, their effects on the women who gave birth, and the timing of their presence during companionship.

RESULTS

A total of 214 companions were included in this study with the mean age of 42.54 years. The most common relationship to the pregnant women was mothers (35.7%), followed by husbands (30.5%). The majority of companions provided support during admission (62.6%), in the immediate post-partum ward (56.5%) and during delivery (54.2%), while a minority helped from admission to discharge (22.4%). The most common type of support provided was encouraging words (89.7%) followed by transferring things (43.9%), massage (37.4%) and touch (33.6%). The majority of companions (96.7%) reported that their support helped very much, and the pregnant women felt better and calmer.

CONCLUSIONS

Labouring women felt better and calmer because of the presence of companions. Companions preferred to be present in the postpartum and during labour and delivery. The majority of companions support their labouring women by encouraging wards. Companions love and encourage others to support their labouring women during their critical times.

Development and early validation of questionnaires to assess system level factors affecting male partners' attendance at childbirth in LMICs

BACKGROUND

There is evidence that a woman who receives continuous labour support from a chosen companion can have shorter labour duration, is more likely to give birth without medical interventions, and report a satisfying childbirth experience. These outcomes result from the beneficial effects of emotional and practical support from the woman's chosen companion, and care provided by health providers. When a woman's chosen companion is her male partner, in addition to the above benefits, his presence can promote his bonding with the baby, and shared parenthood. However, there may be healthcare system barriers, including organisational, management and individual (staff) factors, that inhibit or restrict women's choice of companion. There are currently no suitable survey tools that can be used to assess the system level factors affecting the implementation of male partners' attendance at childbirth in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs).

METHODS

We designed two questionnaires to help to address that gap: the Male Partners' Attendance at Childbirth-Questionnaire for Heads of Maternity Units (MPAC-QHMUs); and the Male Partners' Attendance at Childbirth-Questionnaire for Maternity Staff (MPAC-QMS). We carried out an extensive review to generate initial items of the two questionnaires. We assessed the content and face validity of the two questionnaires in a three-round modified Delphi study.

RESULTS

The Male Partners' Attendance at Childbirth-Questionnaire for Heads of Maternity Units (MPAC-QHMUs) focused on organisational and management factors. The Male Partners' Attendance at Childbirth-Questionnaire of Maternity Staff (MPAC-QMS) focused on individual staff factors. The final MPAC-QHMUs and MPAC-QMS included items which garnered over 80% content relevance according to the experts' rating. After all three consensus rounds of the Delphi study, 43 items were retained for the MPAC-QHMUs and 61 items were retained for the MPAC-QMS.

CONCLUSIONS

The MPAC-QHMUs and the MPAC-QMS may help understanding of barriers affecting male partners' attendance at childbirth in LMICs in order to devise implementation strategies to enable wider availability and to maximize women's choices during labour and childbirth. The MPAC-QHMUs and the MPAC-QMS as newly-developed questionnaires require further validation of their acceptability and feasibility in different cultural contexts, and languages.

Disrespect and abuse during childbirth in maternity hospitals in Piauí, Brazil: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence and associated factors of disrespect and abuse during childbirth in Piauí, Brazil.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study with 698 postpartum women in 21 maternity hospitals in 14 municipalities between August 2018 and September 2019. Face-to-face interviews were carried out at least 6 hours after birth, with an assessment of disrespect and abuse during childbirth (D&A). Robust Poisson regression was used, with calculation of the adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

RESULTS

There was evidence that 19.8% of women experienced at least one type of D&A, with verbal abuse (12.6%), non-compliance with professional standards (11.6%) and health service restrictions being more common (8.3%). There was an association of D&A with women aged 10-19 years (aPR=1.97; 95%CI 1.58-2.44), absence of companions (aPR=2.43; 95%CI 1.85-2.89), cesarean sections after labor (aPR=2.19; 95%CI 1.64-3.59), public hospitals (aPR=1.87; 95%CI1.42-2.85) and in the countryside (aPR=2.29; 95%CI 1.81-3.98).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a high prevalence of D&A in Piauí, associated with structural conditions of the services, care practices and characteristics of women.

[Supply of best childbirth practices in maternity units of Rede Cegonha according to Item Response Theory]

This study aimed to develop an intelligible scale to measure the level of supply of best practices in labor, childbirth and delivery in maternity units in the Rede Cegonha (RC) based on the workers' perception. The scale consisted of seventeen items related to best practices, based on the instrument used in the "Evaluation of care during delivery and birth in maternity hospitals in the RC" research The three-parameter logistic model of Item Response Theory was used to create the scale and analyze the items. The scale consisted of three levels. In the first level, there are maternity hospitals that adequately offered strategies for welcoming and encouraging the pregnant woman to circulate during labor. The second level maternity wards also included the adequate offer of the right to a companion of choice, massage, ball and different birth positions. Finally, the third level maternity hospitals also offered an adequate delivery stool, as well as the items already mentioned. The findings of this study showed the contribution of each item in measuring the level of supply of best practices in care for labor, childbirth and delivery and the construction of an intelligible scale to assess RC maternity hospitals.

Presence of a full-time companion in Brazilian maternities linked to the Rede Cegonha

The objective was to estimate the proportion of women with a full-time companion in Brazilian maternities linked to the Rede Cegonha (RC) and to compare them between the macro-regions in Brazil. A nationwide study, carried out from December/2016 to October/2017. 10,665 puerperal women from all regions of Brazil participated in the study, who gave birth at one of 606 maternity hospitals with a regional action plan approved by RC. Proportions and respective 95% confidence intervals were estimated, adjusted for the cluster effect, by comparing the macro-regions using Wald's chi-square test. The presence of a full-time companion occurred in 71.2% of maternities, being higher among women aged 20-35 years, brown-skinned, with higher education, married, and assisted in vaginal delivery. Almost 30% of puerperal women did not have a full-time companion. In the Southeast and Midwest regions, self-declared black women, with less schooling and unmarried women were less accompanied. The moment of delivery had less presence of the companion (29.2%). Despite the advances, this right is still not fully fulfilled, pointing to the occurrence of social inequities among Brazilian macro-regions.

Labor Companionship in Labor and Delivery at Debremarkos Town Public Health Facilities: Magnitude and Associated Factors

Background

Labor companionship is a human interactive process that provides social support during the childbirth process. Despite it being one component of respectful maternity care (RMC) that is used for quality assurance to achieve the sustainable goal of maternal and neonatal mortality reduction, there is limited evidence about the current status of birth companionship. The study was aimed to assess labor companion and its associated factors at Debremarkos town public health facilities.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted. The study was conducted at Debremarkos town from February 1/2021 to March 30/2021. From the 559 sample size, 548 women participated in the study. A systematic random sampling technique was used. A pre-tested interviewer-administered questioner was used, data were entered and analyzed with Epi-data version 4.60 and SPSS version 25.0. Bivariable regression was done and variables with p-value </= 0.20 were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression. Variables with p-value </= 0.05 were considered significantly associated with labor companionship. Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit was checked and all multi-collinearity of variables with variance inflation factors (VIF) up to 10 was tolerated.

Results

A total of 548 participants were involved in the study with a 98.03% response rate. The magnitude of labor companionship was found to be 14.6% (11.7–17.5). Women who had complicated pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=5.53; 95% CI: 3.09–9.92), women's desire for a labor companion (AOR=3.63; 95% CI: 1.51–8.69), being primipara (AOR=3.49; 95% CI: 1.93–6.35), labor followed by female skilled birth attendant (AOR=0.37;95% CI: 0.17–0.82), and women’s perceived busyness of skilled birth attendant (AOR=0.13;95% CI: 0.07–0.23) were significantly associated with labor companionship.

Conclusions

Labor companionship was found to be low. Giving emphasis on the desire, primipara, complicated pregnancy, sex of skilled birth attendant and women perceived busy skilled birth attendant were suggested for the improvement of labor companionship.

Presence of birth companion-a deterrent to disrespectful behaviours towards women during delivery: an exploratory mixed-method study in 18 public hospitals of India

Birthing women require support, particularly emotional support, during the process of labour and delivery. Traditionally, across cultures, this support was made available by the continuous presence of a companion during labour, childbirth and the immediate post-partum period. However, this practice is not universal, especially in health facilities in low- and middle-income countries. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 18 tertiary health care facilities of India using a mixed-method approach. The quantitative data were collected to document the number of birthing women, birth companions and healthcare providers in the labour rooms, and the typology of disrespect and abuse (D&A) faced by women. This was followed by in-depth interviews with 55 providers to understand their perspective on the various dimensions of D&A and the challenges they face to provide respectful care. This article explores the status of birth companionship in India and its plausible associations with D&A faced by birthing women in public facilities. Our study reveals that birth companionship is still not a common practice in Indian public hospitals. Birth companions were present during less than half of the observational period, also less than half of the birthing women were accompanied by a birth companion. Lack of hospital policy, space constraints, overcrowding and privacy concerns for other patients were cited as reasons for not allowing birth companions in the labour rooms, whose supportive roles, both for women and providers, were otherwise widely acknowledged during the qualitative interviews. Also, the presence of birth companions was found to be critically negatively associated with occurrences of D&A of birthing women. We contend that owing to the high pressure on the public hospitals in India, birth companions can be a low-cost intervention model for promoting respectful maternity care. However, adequate infrastructure is a critical aspect to be taken care of.

Bozlak C, A. Shaw B. Brazilian women's use of evidence-based practices in childbirth after participating in the Senses of Birth intervention: A mixed-methods study

Brazil has a cesarean rate of 56% and low use of Intrapartum Evidence-based Practices (IEBP) of 3.4%, reflecting a medically centered and highly interventionist maternal health care model. The Senses of Birth (SoB) is a health education intervention created to promote normal birth, use of EBP, and reduce unnecessary c-sections. This study aimed to understand the use of intrapartum EBP by Brazilian women who participated in the SoB intervention. 555 women answered the questionnaire between 2015 and 2016. Bivariate analysis and ANOVA test were used to identify if social-demographic factors, childbirth information, and perceived knowledge were associated with the use of EBP. A qualitative analysis was performed to explore women’s experiences. Research participants used the following EBP: birth plan (55.2%), companionship during childbirth (81.6%), midwife care (54.2%), freedom of mobility during labor (57.7%), choice of position during delivery (57.2%), and non-pharmacological pain relief methods (74.2%). Doula support was low (26.9%). Being a black woman was associated with not using a birth plan or having doula support. Women who gave birth in private hospitals were more likely not to use the EBP. Barriers to the use of EBP identified by women were an absence of individualized care, non-respect for their choices or provision of EBP by health care providers, inadequate structure and ambiance in hospitals to use EBP, and rigid protocols not centered on women’s needs. The SoB intervention was identified as a potential facilitator. Women who used EBP described a sense of control over their bodies and perceived self-efficacy to advocate for their chosen practices. Women saw the strategies to overcome barriers as a path to become their childbirth protagonist. Health education is essential to increase the use of EBP; however, it should be implemented combined with changes in the maternal care system, promoting woman-centered and evidence-based models.

The effect of educational technology use to guide parturient women's companions: a randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the companion's role during the labor and delivery processes, comparing the influence of the use of an educational technology.

METHOD

A single-blind randomized controlled study, in which 73 participants were divided into two groups, 35 in the intervention group and 38 in the comparison group. To analyze the groups the chi-square and the Fisher's exact tests were used in categorical variables and the Student's t-test or the Mann-Whitney test in continuous variables.

RESULTS

When comparing the experience and the support provided, it was found that there was no difference between the groups in relation to the level of support (p=0.48) and satisfaction with the experience of monitoring the delivery process (p=0.19). However, there was a difference regarding insecurity in monitoring (p=0.00) and concern regarding the parturient health status (p=0.00).

CONCLUSION

The companions who received the intervention with educational technology were more likely to use physical, emotional and intermediation support actions. Registry of Brazilian Clinical Trials UTN: U1111-1231-8695.

Barriers to implementing childbirth recommendations in Brazil: the women's perspective

OBJECTIVE

To identify barriers to the implementation of National Childbirth Guidelines in Brazil from the women's perspective.

METHODS

A descriptive exploratory study was performed using a qualitative approach and an interpretive perspective. The hermeneutic unit of analysis was established based on the contribution of users to a public online consultation about the National Childbirth Guidelines in Brazil, performed in 2016 by the National Committee for Health Technology Incorporation into the Unified Health System (CONITEC). Content analysis techniques were used to examine the answers provided to the following specific question: "Considering your local reality, what would hinder the implementation of this protocol or guideline?"

RESULTS

Of 396 contributions recorded by CONITEC, 55 were included in the content analysis. The mean age of women was 31 years, with most self-declared as white (69%) and living in the Southeast of Brazil (56.3%). Coding revealed seven barrier categories, which were grouped into three families - barriers related to 1) professional training and culture (which highlighted the centrality of physicians, not women, in childbirth), 2) social culture (general population not well informed), and 3) political and management issues (little interest on the part of managers, lower physician compensation for vaginal childbirth vs. cesarian section, and poor hospital infrastructure).

CONCLUSIONS

Aspects of professional training and culture, social culture, and political as well as management issues are critical points to be considered in future interventions aiming at overcoming or weakening the barriers to implementing childbirth recommendations in Brazil.

From prenatal care to childbirth: a cross-sectional study on the influence of a companion on good obstetric practices in the Brazilian National Health System in Santa Catarina State, 2019

OBJECTIVE

To analyze association between presence of a companion during prenatal consultations and childbirth and quality of care received by puerperal women using the Brazilian National Health System (SUS).

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study with puerperal women who underwent prenatal care and delivery on the SUS in Santa Catarina State, Brazil, in 2019, and who were interviewed within 48 hours postpartum. Prevalence ratios were estimated using Poisson regression.

RESULTS

3,580 puerperal women were interviewed. In prenatal care, presence of a companion was positively associated with receiving guidance from health professionals (PR=1.27 - 95%CI 1.08;1.50) and building a birth plan (PR=1.51 - 95%CI 1.15;1.97). At delivery, presence of a companion was associated with greater receipt of analgesics (PR=2.89 - 95%CI 1.40;5.97), non-pharmacological pain relief management (PR=1.96 - 95%CI 1.44;2.65), choice of position for delivery (PR=1.63 - 95%CI 1.24;2.16) and less likelihood of being strapped down (PR=0.47 - 95%CI 0.35;0.63).

CONCLUSION

Presence of a companion during prenatal care and delivery was associated with better quality of care.

[Barriers to implementing childbirth recommendations in Brazil: the women's perspectiveObstáculos para la aplicación de las recomendaciones de asistencia al parto normal en Brasil: perspectiva de las mujeres]

OBJECTIVE

To identify barriers to the implementation of National Childbirth Guidelines in Brazil from the women's perspective.

METHOD

A descriptive exploratory study was performed using a qualitative approach and an interpretive perspective. The hermeneutic unit of analysis was established based on the contribution of users to a public online consultation about the National Childbirth Guidelines in Brazil, performed in 2016 by the National Committee for Health Technology Incorporation into the Unified Health System (CONITEC). Content analysis techniques were used to examine the answers provided to the following specific question: "Considering your local reality, what would hinder the implementation of this protocol or guideline?"

RESULTS

Of 396 contributions recorded by CONITEC, 55 were included in the content analysis. The mean age of women was 31 years, with most self-declared as white (69%) and living in the Southeast of Brazil (56.3%). Coding revealed seven barrier categories, which were grouped into three families - barriers related to 1) professional training and culture (which highlighted the centrality of physicians, not women, in childbirth), 2) social culture (general population not well informed), and 3) political and management issues (little interest on the part of managers, lower physician compensation for vaginal childbirth vs. Caesarian section, and poor hospital infrastructure).

CONCLUSIONS

Aspects of professional training and culture, social culture, and political as well as management issues are critical points to be considered in future interventions aiming at overcoming or weakening the barriers to implementing childbirth recommendations in Brazil.

Profile on childbirth care at a public maternity hospital

Abstract Objectives: to describe the profile on childbirth care at a reference maternity hospital in the State of Piauí based on the 2018 World Health Organization Recommendations. Methods: retrospective cross-sectional quantitative study, descriptive documentary, population census, containing vaginal deliveries performed in 2017. The data was entered in Microsoft Excel for simple statistical analysis. Results: the percentages registered at the Centro Obstétrico Superior (Superior Obstetric Center) and Centro de Parto Normal (Normal Delivery Center) were, respectively, 85.5% and 98% with the presence of a companion, 34.2% and 94% used the partogram, 63.8% and 98% took non-pharmacological methods for pain relief, 74.8% and 98.7% received fluids during labor. Amniotomy at 15.2% and 17.2%, oxytocin was administered at 26.5% and 14.6% in the 1st and 2nd periods, non-lithotomic position at 39.7% and 93.4%, episiotomy 9.9% and 6.6%. After birth, 85.5% and 96% of newborns had skin-to-skin contact and, in 65.5% and 94% there were maternal breastfeeding promotion. Conclusions: this study comprehended the indicators on childbirth care service, which are, in general, better than the national and the northeast region ones. The importance of registering indicators to evaluate care is emphasized.

Childbirth care for adolescents and advanced maternal age in maternities linked to Rede Cegonha

Based on the Rede Cegonha guidelines that propose the strengthening of women's sexual and reproductive rights, we sought to present a brief overview of issues related to reproductive planning and to analyze obstetric practices in childbirth care for adolescents and women of advanced age in maternity hospitals linked to Rede Cegonha. Data were extracted from an assessment conducted in 2017, based on information from the interview with puerperal women and from the hospital record. For age extremes, the high proportion of unplanned pregnancies and low use of contraception means problems in accessing family planning programs. Adolescents are more exposed to the presence of a companion and less to the use of analgesia in labor. Advanced maternal age were more likely to use analgesia in labor and to give birth in the lithotomy position, being less exposed to amniotomy. Although Rede Cegonha is an excellent strategy for improving assistance to childbirth, attention is still needed to the use of potentially unnecessary or not recommended interventions, with greater incentive to good obstetric practices.

Labor and childbirth care in maternities participating in the "Rede Cegonha/Brazil": an evaluation of the degree of implementation of the activities

Using a judgment framework, this article analyzes the degree of implementation of the best practices in labor and childbirth care contained in the guidelines of the Rede Cegonha (RC) across Brazil. The study eligibility criteria were public and mixed hospitals located in a health region with a RC action plan in place in 2015, resulting in a total of 606 facilities distributed across the country. Three different data collection methods were used: face-to-face interviews with managers, health professionals and puerperal women; document analysis; and on-site observation. The framework was built around the five guidelines of the Labor and Childbirth component of the RC. Degree of implantation was rated as follows: adequate; partially adequate and inadequate. The performance of maternity facilities was rated as partially adequate for all guidelines except for hospital environment, which was rated as inadequate. A huge variation in degree of implementation was observed across regions, with the South and Southeast being the best-performing regions in most items. The results reinforce the need for an ongoing evaluation of the actions developed by the RC to inform policy-making and the regulation of labor and childbirth care.

Social support modifies the association between pre-pregnancy body mass index and breastfeeding initiation in Brazil

BACKGROUND

Many biological, social and cultural barriers for suboptimal breastfeeding practices have been identified in literature. Among these, excessive pre-pregnancy weight has been identified as a risk factor for not initiating breastfeeding early. Social support, coming from social networks (e.g. a partner, family or friends) or health care providers, has been positively associated with breastfeeding. This study aimed to examine the association between pre-pregnancy excessive weight and breastfeeding within the first hour after birth and if social support modifies this association.

DESIGN

National population-based study conducted with 21,086 postpartum women from February 1, 2011 to October 31, 2012 in 266 hospitals from all five regions of Brazil. Social support was defined as having a companion at the hospital. Main effects and interactions were tested with multivariable regression analyses.

RESULTS

Multivariate regression analyses indicated that class I and class II obese women had lower odds of breastfeeding within the first hour when a companion was not present (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.42-0.82 and AOR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.36-0.97, respectively), but there was no association when the companion was present. Among overweight and obese women, the predicted probability of breastfeeding within the first hour was lower for those without a companion. This association was not found among those with normal pre-pregnancy BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Social support modifies the relationship between pre-gestational BMI and breastfeeding initiation among women who are overweight or obese, specifically it reduces the risk of delayed breastfeeding initiation.

Changes in perceived knowledge about childbirth among pregnant women participating in the Senses of Birth intervention in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Senses of Birth (SoB) is a health education intervention in Brazil that aims to reduce unnecessary cesareans in the country by providing information on reproductive rights, benefits and risks of childbirth, and use of intrapartum evidence-based practices (EBP) which are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve childbirth outcomes and satisfaction. This study evaluates the impact of the SoB on pregnant women's perceived knowledge about normal birth (NB), cesarean, and use of EBP.

METHODS

1287 pregnant women answered a structured survey immediately after their visit to the intervention, between March 2015 and March 2016. To estimate the potential impact of the intervention on women's perceived knowledge, and possible associations between sociodemographic characteristics and perceived knowledge, statistical analyses were performed, including paired T-tests, ANOVA, and logistic and linear regressions.

RESULTS

The mean score (MS) of perceived knowledge after the intervention was higher than the MS before experiencing the intervention for all three knowledge domains: Normal Birth (MS Before = 3.71 x MS After = 4.49), Cesarean (MS Before = 3.54 x MS After = 4.26) and EBPs (MS Before = 3.14 x MS After = 4.14). The results suggest that perceived knowledge increased more for low-income women (B = 0.206; p < 0.001 for EBP), women without private health insurance (OR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.49-4.09 for NB), with private prenatal care (OR 2.42, 95% CI: 1.59-3.66 for NB), experiencing their first pregnancy (OR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.31-2.82 for EBP; OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03-1.84 for NB; OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03-1.84 for cesarean), and in their first or second trimester (OR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.13-2.39 for EBP; OR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.11-1.97 for NB; OR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.40-2.41 for cesarean).

CONCLUSION

The study showed that participation in the SoB was associated with an increase in perceived knowledge among Brazilian pregnant women. The intervention gains relevance considering the lack of evidence of the impact of non-clinical interventions to reduce unnecessary cesareans in middle and low-income countries.

PRENACEL partner - use of short message service (SMS) to encourage male involvement in prenatal care: a cluster randomized trial

Background

The partner has an important role when he participates of the prenatal care as showed in the positive results relate to the mother and the child health. For this reason it is an important strategy to bring future fathers closer to health services and to improve their link with paternity.

Aim

To evaluate whether the implementation of SMS technology, through the PRENACEL program for the partner as a health education program, is a useful supplement to the standard prenatal monitoring.

Methods

A parallel cluster randomized trial was carried out, with the clusters representing primary care health units. The 20 health units with the largest number of pregnant women in 2013 were selected for the study. There was a balance of the health units according to the size of the affiliated population and the vulnerability situation and these were allocated in intervention and control health units by the randomization. The partners of the pregnant women who started prenatal care prior to the 20th week of gestation were the study population of the intervention group. The participants received periodic short text messages via mobile phone with information about the pregnancy and birth. In the control group units the partners, together with the women, received the standard prenatal care.

Results

One hundred eighty-six partners were interviewed, 62 from the PRENACEL group, 73 from the intervention group that did not opt ​​for PRENACEL and 51 from the control group. A profile with a mean age of 30 years was found and the majority of respondents (51.3%) declared themselves as brown race/color. The interviewees presented a mean of 9.3 years of study. The majority of the men (95.2%) cohabited with their partner and 63.7% were classified as socioeconomic class C. The adherence to the PRENACEL program was 53.4%. In relation to the individual results, there was a greater participation of the PRENACEL partners in the prenatal consultations, as well as a greater presence of them accompanying the woman at the moment of the childbirth when compared to the other groups.

Conclusion

The study showed that a health education strategy using communication technology seems to be a useful prenatal care supplement; the intervention had a good acceptability and has a promising role in men’s involvement in prenatal, labour and postpartum care of their partners.

Trial registration

Clinical trial registry: RBR-54zf73, U1111–1163-7761.

Status of national policy on companion of choice at birth in Latin America and the Caribbean: Gaps and challenges

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a companion of choice during labor and birth, to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes and women’s satisfaction with health services. To better understand the status of companion of choice in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), an online survey was conducted with members of a midwifery virtual community of practice and with key informants, aiming to identify: 1) existing regulatory instruments related to companion of choice in the countries where the members are practicing; and, 2) key characteristics of implementation of companion of choice, where regulation exists. Responses (n = 112) were received from representatives of 20 of the 43 countries of LAC. Respondents reported existence of a national policy or legislation in seven countries, ministerial norms or institutional protocols in five countries, and no existing policy/protocol in eight countries. Respondents from the same country often provided contradictory responses. Responses differed from information provided by ministries of health in a WHO-led global policy survey in 11 instances. These variations may reflect that midwives were not always aware of the national policy/guideline in their country. We propose that a more robust effort should be undertaken to understand the status of companion of choice for labor and birth in LAC countries, at national, regional, and local level, in public and private facilities. It is important to know if policies exist, at what level of the system, and if key stakeholders, maternity-care health providers, and women are aware of their existence. Efforts should also be made to understand barriers to implementing companion of choice.

Quality assessment of abortion care from the users' perspective: dimensional structure of the QualiAborto-Pt questionnaire

Abortion complications are a major public health problem, and studies to assess the quality of abortion care require adequate measurement tools. This study is a continuation of such an instrument's refinement, the QualiAborto-Pt questionnaire. Using data from a survey of 2,336 women hospitalized for abortion complications in 19 hospitals in three state capitals in Northeast Brazil (Salvador - Bahia, Recife - Pernambuco, and São Luís - Maranhão), we implemented a series of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses based on a 55-item prototype. The analyses indicate a structure with 17 items in five dimensions: reception, orientation, inputs/physical environment, technical quality, and continuity of care. All the items in the final model displayed acceptable reliability, absence of content redundancy, and factor specificity, as well as theoretical consistency with the respective dimensions. The solution also shows discriminant factor validity. Despite some persistent issues for further analysis and clarification, this version merits recommendation for use in Brazil.

Nascimento e cidadania: entre a norma e a política

Resumo Este estudo propõe uma revisão crítica da legislação voltada para a assistência obstétrica, nomeadamente no que concerne ao processo da parturição. A história recente mostra numerosas iniciativas governamentais através de legislação e de políticas públicas que garantem direitos às mulheres. Buscou-se identificar possíveis convergências e descompassos nas relações entre a legislação e as políticas, especialmente no que tange ao asseguramento de direitos. Procedeu-se à análise documental do material selecionado seguindo os parâmetros recomendados na literatura. A presença do acompanhante foi o tema focalizado na análise. O período histórico coberto pelo estudo teve como marcador temporal a promulgação da Lei nº 11.108/2005. Os resultados apresentados revelaram um conjunto considerável de diplomas sancionados e incorporados pelos órgãos governamentais da administração federal. Todavia, o crescente fortalecimento dos direitos focalizados não se fez repercutir no cotidiano dos serviços que deveriam implementá-los. Apesar dos avanços, o problema da proteção e usufruto dos direitos ainda persiste. É possível cogitar que o fortalecimento político do campo contra-hegemônico representa perspectiva promissora para a superação das dificuldades ao legítimo exercício da cidadania.

Perceptions of isolation during facility births in Haiti - a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Haiti's maternal mortality, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality rates are the highest in Latin America and the Caribbean. Despite inherent risks, the majority of women still deliver at home without supervision from a skilled birth attendant. The purpose of this study was to elucidate factors driving this decision.

METHODS

We conducted six focus group discussions with women living in urban (N = 14) or rural (N = 17) areas and asked them questions pertaining to their reasons for delivering at a facility or at home, perceptions of staff at the health facility, experiences with or knowledge of facility or home deliveries, and prior pregnancy experiences (if relevant). We also included currently pregnant women to learn about their plans for delivery, if any.

RESULTS

All of the women interviewed acknowledged similar perceived benefits of a facility birth, which were a reduced risk of complications during pregnancy and access to emergency care. However, many women also reported unfavorable birthing experiences at facilities. We identified four key thematic concerns that underpinned women's negative assessments of a facility birth: being left alone, feeling ignored, being subject to physical immobility, and lack of compassionate touch/care. Taken together, these concerns articulated an overarching sense of what we term "isolation," which encompasses feelings of being isolated in the hospital during delivery.

CONCLUSION

Although Haitian women recognized that a facility was a safer place for birthing than the home, an overarching stigma of patient neglect and isolation in facilities was a major determining factor in choosing to deliver at home. The Haitian maternal mortality rate is high and will not be lowered if women continue to feel that they will not receive comfort and compassionate touch/care at a facility compared to their experience of delivering with traditional birth attendants at home. Based on these results, we recommend that all secondary and tertiary facilities offering labor and delivery services develop patient support programs, where women are better supported from admission through the labor and delivery process, including but not limited to improvements in communication, privacy, companionship (if deemed safe), respectful care, attention to pain during vaginal exams, and choice of birth position.

Attention to childbirth and delivery in a university hospital: comparison of practices developed after Network Stork

OBJECTIVE

to compare, after four years of the implementation of the Stork Network, the obstetric practices developed in a university hospital according to the classification of the World Health Organization.

METHOD

cross-sectional study carried out in the year of adherence to the Stork Network (377 women) and replicated four years later (586 women). Data were obtained through medical records and a structured questionnaire. The Chi-square test was used in the analysis.

RESULTS

four years after the implementation of the Stork Network, in Category A practices (demonstrably useful practices/good practices), there was increased frequency of companions, non-pharmacological methods, skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding stimulation, and decreased freedom of position/movement. In Category B (harmful practices), there was reduction of trichotomy and increased venoclysis. In Category C (practices with no sufficient evidence), there was increase of Kristeller's maneuver. In Category D (improperly used practices), the percentage of digital examinations above the recommended level increased, as well as of analgesics and analgesia, and there was decrease of episiotomy.

CONCLUSION

these findings indicate the maintenance of a technocratic and interventionist assistance and address the need for changes in the obstetric care model. A globally consolidated path is the incorporation of midwife nurses into childbirth for the appropriate use of technologies and the reduction of unnecessary interventions.

PERINATAL CARE IN A NORTHEASTERN BRAZILIAN STATE: STRUCTURE, WORK PROCESSES, AND EVALUATION OF THE COMPONENTS OF ESSENTIAL NEWBORN CARE

OBJECTIVE

To describe the structure and the processes of care for pregnant women/newborn infants, including the Essential Newborn Care (ENC), in maternity hospitals in Sergipe State, Brazil.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study carried out between June 2015 and April 2016 in all maternity hospitals of Sergipe with more than 500 deliveries/year (n=11). A questionnaire on the existing structure and work processes was administered to the managers. Subsequently, a representative number of postpartum women from these hospitals were interviewed (n=768). Their medical records, as well as newborn infants' records, were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Sergipe has 78 beds of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and 90 beds of Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) to meet spontaneous and programmed demand. Only six maternity hospitals (54.5%) performed the risk classification, and four (36.3%) had protocols for high-risk parturient care. Regarding the ENC components, only 41% (n=315) of the women had early skin-to-skin contact with their babies, 33.1% (n=254) breastfed in the first hour of life, and 18% (n=138) had a companion always during birth.

CONCLUSIONS

The distribution of NICU beds between capital city and other cities of the State is adequate, considering Brazilian guidelines. However, there was a low adherence to the protocols for hypertensive and hemorrhagic emergencies, and a low coverage of humanization policies, pregnancy risk classification and ENC practices, especially breastfeeding in the first hour of life, and companion always during birth.

The Senses of Birth intervention to decrease cesarean and prematurity rates in Brazil

OBJECTIVE

To increase knowledge and promote cultural change toward valuing normal birth, and to lower rates of cesarean and unnecessary interventions during childbirth in Brazil via the Senses of Birth (SoB) exhibition.

METHODS

The SoB intervention targeted 22 621 participants in three Brazilian cities in 2015. The effects of the exhibition in knowledge, perceptions, and preferences regarding childbirth were analyzed in a multi-method study. Pre- and post-exhibition survey responses of 17 501 (77.0%) visitors, 1947 (8.6%) non-pregnant women, and all pregnant women (n=1287) were collected at the exhibition. A follow-up survey was completed by 555 (43.0%) postpartum women who had participated at SoB while pregnant. Univariate analyses were used to compare before and after changes.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in knowledge about normal birth, varying from 10.0% to 25.0% among general visitors (P<0.001) and 27.3% to 42.0% among pregnant women (P<0.001). Perceptions and preferences for normal birth also changed, reaching 83.0% of general visitors and 87.4% of pregnant women.

CONCLUSION

SoB was found to effectively improve knowledge about and preference for normal birth. Scaling-up the intervention might contribute to cultural change toward valuing normal birth, and might decrease the rate of unnecessary cesarean and premature birth in Brazil.

Performance of resident nurses in obstetrics on childbirth care

Abstract Objectives: to describe good practices on childbirth care and obstetric interventions performed by resident nurses in obstetrics during the obstetric childbirth risk at a public maternity hospital in Salvador. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, based on the of 102 parturients, between February and April 2016. The data collection was performed through the collection of information on clinical files for analysis by using descriptive statistics with absolute and relative frequencies for the evaluated categorical variables. Results: it was observed that 100.0% of the women used some kind of non-pharmacological method for pain relief, although the method of choice was to take a hot bath; 99.0% of the women drank liquids; 94.0% had the presence of a companion of free choice; 99.0% walked during labor; 100.0% had the freedom to choose a position during childbirth. It is noteworthy that no woman in this study was submitted to episiotomy, and more than 70.0% were not submitted to any obstetric intervention. Conclusions: the Programa de Residência em Enfermagem (Residency Nursing Program) an important point in the childbirth humanization process is directly associated to the increase in the normal childbirth rates, the highest use on good practices in childbirth care, and the reduction on obstetric interventions.

Avanços na assistência ao parto no Brasil: resultados preliminares de dois estudos avaliativos

Resumo: Este artigo tem como objetivo descrever os primeiros resultados de dois estudos avaliativos, um sobre a Rede Cegonha e outro sobre o projeto Parto Adequado, denominados, respectivamente, de avaliação da Rede Cegonha e Nascer Saudável, e identificar possíveis melhorias em comparação ao estudo Nascer no Brasil. Ambos os estudos têm desenho seccional, realizados em 2017. O estudo avaliação da Rede Cegonha incluiu todas as 606 maternidades públicas e mistas envolvidas na Rede Cegonha e um total de 10.675 puérperas. O estudo Nascer Saudável incluiu uma amostra de conveniência de 12 hospitais da rede privada e um total de 4.798 mulheres. Os indicadores de atenção ao parto e nascimento avaliados foram: presença de acompanhante, atendimento por enfermeira obstétrica, preenchimento de partograma, uso de métodos não farmacológicos, deambulação, alimentação, uso de cateter venoso periférico, analgesia, posição da mulher para o parto, episiotomia e manobra de Kristeler. Esses indicadores foram comparados aos encontrados no Nascer no Brasil, estudo de base nacional realizado em 2011-2012, antes do início dos dois programas de intervenção. Para as comparações utilizamos o teste do qui-quadrado para amostras independentes e nível de 95% de confiança. Houve um aumento significativo do número de mulheres com acesso à tecnologia apropriada ao parto entre os anos de 2011 e 2017 e redução de práticas consideradas prejudiciais. No setor privado, observou-se também redução nas taxas de cesariana e aumento da idade gestacional ao nascer. Os resultados deste estudo mostram que políticas públicas bem conduzidas podem mudar o cenário da atenção ao parto e nascimento, promovendo a redução de desfechos maternos e neonatais negativos.

Health facility structure and maternal characteristics related to essential newborn care in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the use of the WHO's Essential Newborn Care (ENC) programme items and to investigate how the non-use of such technologies associates with the mothers' characteristics and hospital structure.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional observational health facility assessment.

SETTING

This is a secondary analysis of the 'Birth in Brazil' study, a national population-based survey on postnatal women/newborn babies and of 266 publicly and privately funded health facilities (secondary and tertiary level of care).

PARTICIPANTS

Data on 23 894 postnatal women and their newborn babies were analysed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The facility structure was assessed by evaluating the availability of medicines and equipment for perinatal care, a paediatrician on call 24/7, a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and kangaroo mother care. The use of each ENC item was assessed according to the health facility structure and the mothers' sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

The utilisation of ENC items is low in Brazil. The factors associated with failure in pregnant woman reference were: pregnant adolescents (ORadj 1.17; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.29), ≤7 years of schooling (ORadj 1.47; 95% CI 1.22 to 1.78), inadequate antenatal care (ORadj 1.67; 95% CI 1.47 to 1.89). The non-use of corticosteroids was more frequently associated with the absence of an NICU (ORadj 3.93; 95% CI 2.34 to 6,66), inadequate equipment and medicines (ORadj 2.16; 95% CI 1.17 to 4.01). In caesarean deliveries, there was a less frequent use of a partograph (ORadj 4,93; 95% CI 3.77 to 6.46), early skin-to-skin contact (ORadj 3.07; 95% CI 3.37 to 4.90) and breast feeding in the first hour after birth (ORadj 2.55; 95% CI 2.21 to 2.96).

CONCLUSIONS

The coverage of ENC technologies use is low throughout Brazil and shows regional differences. We found a positive effect of adequate structure at health facilities on antenatal corticosteroids use and on partograph use during labour. We found a negative effect of caesarean section on early skin-to-skin contact and early breast feeding.

Socioeconomic, demographic, and obstetric inequalities in food insecurity in pregnant women

Abstract Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of Food Insecurity (FI) in pregnant women and to identify its association with demographic, socioeconomic, obstetric, and anthropometric variables in female users of Family Health Units (FHUs) in the city of Colombo, state of Paraná, South Region of Brazil. Methods: a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of pregnant women from 17 FHUs in Colombo. We used the short version of the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Measurement Scale (EBIA). In addition, we used Poisson Regression Models with robust, crude, and adjusted variance to investigate the association between FI and exposure variables. Results: 316 pregnant women participated in the study. The prevalence of FI was 45.1% (CI95% = 39.6-50.6). Adjusted analysis showed higher prevalence of FI in pregnant women with 30 years of age or older (PR = 1.66; IC95% = 1.02-2.69), with black skin or indigenous background (PR= 1.39; CI95%= 1.08-1.79), with 7 years of education or less (PR = 1.58; CI95% = 1.14-2.19), and with lower income (PR = 2.07; CI95% = 1.36-3.14). Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of FI among pregnant women, particularly among those of older age and with worse socioeconomic conditions, a group that should be considered a priority for actions aimed at promoting food security.

Active health Ombudsman service: evaluation of the quality of delivery and birth care

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the active health Ombudsman service as an instrument to evaluate the quality of delivery and birth care in the Cegonha Network of the Federal District of Brazil.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of the telephone survey type carried out with 1,007 mothers with deliveries between October 15, 2013 and November 19, 2013 in the twelve public maternity hospitals that make up the Cegonha Network of the Federal District of Brazil. The instrument has 25 multiple choice or Likert scale questions, including sociodemographic data and acceptability evaluation in five domains: accessibility, relationship between the patient and health professionals, conditions of the structure of the service, information to the patient, and equity and opinion of the patient. We have studied qualitative or categorical variables according to the frequency and distribution of proportions. We have used the score transformed into a scale from zero to 100 for the analysis of the Likert-type scale questions. Results have been expressed as mean and standard deviation.

RESULTS

Access to prenatal appointments was evaluated as good or excellent by 86.1% of the participants and laboratory tests was evaluated as good or excellent by 85.2% of them. The access to imaging tests was evaluations as good or excellent by 45.7% of the women; 79.5% of the interviewees had their delivery in the maternity hospital where they sought initial care and 18.3% received a home visit by a community health agent after discharge. Most women reported that newborns were placed skin-to-skin immediately after birth, 48.9% had a companion at the time of the delivery, 76.3% were advised about the first appointment of the newborn, and 94.8% were advised on breastfeeding in the maternity hospital. Regarding the evaluation of health professionals, 85.9% of the women considered reception and cordiality as good or excellent at the prenatal care and 94.8% considered it as good or excellent at the maternity hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

The active health Ombudsman service has contributed to evaluate the quality of public management by allowing the incorporation of the perspective of users of the health service in the evaluation of the acceptability of the Cegonha Network in the Federal District of Brazil.

Support actions undertaken for the woman by companions in public maternity hospitals

OBJECTIVE

to identify the support actions undertaken for the woman during labor, birth, cesarean section and the postpartum period.

METHOD

a transversal study, undertaken in three public maternity hospitals, with a sample of 1,147 companions. The data were collected through interviews and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The support actions were classified in four dimensions: emotional, physical, informational and relating to intermediation.

RESULTS

the majority of interviewees were the partner/father of the baby (76.7%). In labor, birth and the postpartum period, the actions of emotional support - such as calming, encouraging and praising, were performed by more than 80.0% of the companions; informational support, by approximately 70.0%; and intermediation by fewer than 65.0% of them. In childbirth, the emphasis on physical support was observed in assisting with walking (84.4%), and in changing position (90.4%).

CONCLUSION

the companions participate actively in the birth process, performing actions of support in the four dimensions. Emotional support is the most frequent, followed by physical and informational support, mainly during labor and birth. The results contribute to valuing the companion from the woman's social network in the birth scenario and to the recognition of his/her role as a provider of support.

INFLUÊNCIA DA PARTICIPAÇÃO DO COMPANHEIRO NO PRÉ-NATAL: SATISFAÇÃO DE PRIMÍPARAS QUANTO AO APOIO NO PARTO

RESUMO Objetivo: correlacionar a satisfação de primíparas quanto ao apoio e à utilidade do companheiro durante o processo de parto com a sua presença e capacitação no pré-natal. Métodos: estudo correlacional realizado com 155 primíparas no alojamento conjunto de uma maternidade terciária. Utilizou-se a subescala 6, referente ao apoio do companheiro, do Questionário de Experiência e Satisfação com o Parto. Para testar a associação entre as variáveis foi utilizado o teste do qui-quadrado, considerando-se o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: a variável presença do companheiro no pré-natal esteve estatisticamente associada à satisfação da puérpera com o apoio (p=0,0004) e com a utilidade do apoio (p=0,007) durante o trabalho de parto, enquanto a variável capacitação do companheiro no pré-natal esteve estatisticamente associada à satisfação com o apoio (p=<0,00001) e à utilidade do apoio (p=<0,001; p=<0,00001 e p=0,006) prestado pelo companheiro durante todas as fases avaliadas (trabalho de parto, parto e pós-parto imediato). Conclusão: as associações significativas encontradas demonstram a importância de estimular a participação do parceiro no processo parturitivo e a sua capacitação.

Efficacy of an educational manual for childbirth companions: pilot study of a randomized clinical trial

Objective:

to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational manual in the instrumentalization of companions to provide support to the parturients and check its influence on the satisfaction of companions and women during vaginal delivery.

Method:

pilot study of a randomized controlled clinical trial with 65 companions and puerperal women (intervention = 21 and control = 44). The previous knowledge of the companions was evaluated at baseline. The Evaluation Form for Companions in the Delivery Room was used to measure the actions provided and the satisfaction with the experience, and the Questionnaire for Evaluation of the Experience and Satisfaction of Puerperal Women with Labor and Delivery was used to evaluate the satisfaction of women with childbirth. The Student’s t-test or Wilcoxon, chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used.

Results:

the companions in the intervention group performed a greater number of support actions (7.2 vs 4.6, p: 0.001) and had higher satisfaction scores (72.4 vs 64.2; p = 0.00). Puerperal women in the intervention group had higher satisfaction with childbirth (119.6 vs 107.9; p: 0.000).

Conclusion:

the manual was effective for the instrumentalization of companions, contributed to support actions to the parturients and had repercussions on the satisfaction of companions and women with the birthing process. RBR-776d9s

Social Network Analysis Applied to a Historical Ethnographic Study Surrounding Home Birth

Safety during birth has improved since hospital delivery became standard practice, but the process has also become increasingly medicalised. Hence, recent years have witnessed a growing interest in home births due to the advantages it offers to mothers and their newborn infants. The aims of the present study were to confirm the transition from a home birth model of care to a scenario in which deliveries began to occur almost exclusively in a hospital setting; to define the social networks surrounding home births; and to determine whether geography exerted any influence on the social networks surrounding home births. Adopting a qualitative approach, we recruited 19 women who had given birth at home in the mid 20th century in a rural area in Spain. We employed a social network analysis method. Our results revealed three essential aspects that remain relevant today: the importance of health professionals in home delivery care, the importance of the mother’s primary network, and the influence of the geographical location of the actors involved in childbirth. All of these factors must be taken into consideration when developing strategies for maternal health.

[Possibilities of inclusion of the partner in deliveries in public institutions]

Qualitative research, with an exploratory and descriptive approach, was conducted between September 2011 and February 2012, aimed at revealing the possibility of inclusion of the partner in deliveries in institutions that currently restrict their presence. Twelve nurses responsible for obstetric centers and five technical directors of health institutions of Santa Catarina, who did not allow or infrequently allowed the presence of the partner during delivery, were interviewed. Data were analyzed using Bardin Content Analysis, with the support of ATLAS.ti software. The possibilities of including the partner are permitted in three categories: I - Labor pain process; II - Receptiveness of professionals to the partner; and III - Empowerment of patients. Although some institutions limit the presence of the partner, they describe aspects that favor their inclusion. From the results presented, it is suggested that these enabling elements could be bolstered with management strategies, ongoing learning and intersectoral actions.

Nascer no Brasil: the presence of a companion favors the use of best practices in delivery care in the South region of Brazil

OBJECTIVE To analyze if the presence of a companion favors the use of best practices in the delivery care in the South region of Brazil. METHODS This is a cross-sectional analysis of the longitudinal study Nascer no Brasil. We analyzed data from 2,070 women from the South region of Brazil who went into labor. The data were collected between February and August 2011, by interviews and medical records. We performed a bivariate and multivariate analysis, calculating the crude and adjusted prevalence ratios using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation. The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS Most women had a companion during labor (51.7%), but few remained during delivery (39.4%) or cesarean section (34.8%). Less than half of the women had access to several recommended practices, while non-recommended practices continue to be performed. In the model adjusted for age, education level, source of payment for the delivery, parity, and score of the Brazilian Association of Market Research Institutes, the presence of a companion was statistically associated with a greater supply of liquids and food (aPR = 1.34), dietary prescription (aPR = 1.34), use of non-pharmacological methods for pain relief (aPR = 1.37), amniotomy (aPR = 1.10), epidural or spinal analgesia (aPR = 1.84), adoption of non-lithotomy position in the delivery (aPR = 1.77), stay in the same room during labor, delivery, and postpartum (aPR = 1.62), skin-to-skin contact in the delivery (aPR = 1.81) and cesarean section (PR = 2.43), as well as reduced use of the Kristeller maneuver (aPR = 0.67), trichotomy (aPR = 0.59), and enema (aPR = 0.49). CONCLUSIONS In the South region of Brazil, most women do not have access to the best practices in addition to undergoing several unnecessary interventions. The presence of a companion is associated with several beneficial practices and the reduction in some interventions, although other interventions are not impacted.

The best encouraging persons in labor: A content analysis of Iranian mothers' experiences of labor support

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The process of giving birth is very stressing for the mother. Meanwhile, maternity ward staff's lack of awareness of mothers' fears make mothers feel lonely and helpless. This study aimed to explore women's perceptions of labor support during vaginal delivery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This exploratory qualitative study used qualitative content analysis to explore Iranian mothers' experiences of labor support. Data were collected using observations and semi-structured interviews with 25 individuals. The participants were recruited through a purposive sampling method.

RESULTS

Three categories, including "involvement of the spouse in the labor process", "asking for a companion during labor", and "mother's self-care to cope with labor pain", emerged during data analysis. These categories were merged to form the main theme of "trying to comply with the labor process".

CONCLUSION

Women believed that the presence of a companion, e.g. their husband, a family member, or a doula, during labor helped them better deal with the labor process, particularly when they felt lonely. Health care providers are expected to consider the needs of mothers and try to provide holistic support for mothers during labor pain.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

It seems that some mothers adopted particular coping strategies without receiving any relevant training. It is noteworthy that although mothers may make every effort to minimize their pain, health professionals should also practice medical approaches to help them through the process of labor.

A cor da dor: iniquidades raciais na atenção pré-natal e ao parto no Brasil

Poucas pesquisas com foco nas influências da raça/cor no tocante à experiência de gestação e parto foram conduzidas no Brasil, sendo inédita a análise de abrangência nacional. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as iniquidades na atenção pré-natal e parto de acordo com a raça/cor utilizando o método de pareamento baseado nos escores de propensão. Os dados são oriundos da pesquisa Nascer no Brasil: Pesquisa Nacional sobre Parto e Nascimento, um estudo de base populacional de abrangência nacional com entrevista e avaliação de prontuários de 23.894 mulheres em 2011/2012. Regressões logísticas simples foram utilizadas para estimar as razões de chance (OR) e respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%) da raça/cor associada aos desfechos analisados. Em comparação às brancas, puérperas de cor preta possuíram maior risco de terem um pré-natal inadequado (OR = 1,6; IC95%: 1,4-1,9), falta de vinculação à maternidade (OR = 1,2; IC95%: 1,1-1,4), ausência de acompanhante (OR = 1,7; IC95%: 1,4-2,0), peregrinação para o parto (OR = 1,3; IC95%: 1,2-1,5) e menos anestesia local para episiotomia (OR = 1,5 (IC95%: 1,1-2,1). Puérperas de cor parda também tiveram maior risco de terem um pré-natal inadequado (OR = 1,2; IC95%: 1,1-1,4) e ausência de acompanhante (OR = 1,4; IC95%: 1,3-1,6) quando comparadas às brancas. Foram identificadas disparidades raciais no processo de atenção à gestação e ao parto evidenciando um gradiente de pior para melhor cuidado entre mulheres pretas, pardas e brancas.

[In vaginal and cesarean deliveries, a companion is not allowed in the room: discourses of nurses and technical directors]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the reasons why health institutions from the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil prevent the presence of a companion in vaginal and caesarean delivery, from the perspective of nurses and technical directors.

METHOD

Exploratory-descriptive, qualitative research. A total of 12 nurses and five technical directors were interviewed from September/2011 to February/2012. The reports were analyzed according to the Collective Subject Discourse.

RESULTS

In the central ideas of restrictions to the companion we may cite: the operating room is not the place for a companion; in the delivery room companions are not allowed to come in; the companion does not have emotional and psychological preparation; lack of participation in prenatal care hinders the entrance of the companion; if the companion does not ask, he does not come in, but if he requires, he may come in.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

The companion impediment is guided by pre-conceived ideas that can negatively interfere in the organization of the birth process.

[The use of Bologna Score to assess normal labor care in maternities]

OBJECTIVE

To assess care during labor and delivery in habitual risk maternity units in a capital in southern Brazil.

METHOD

It is an evaluation research, retrospective, quantitative, developed in three hospitals. The variables relating to the Bologna Score (presence of a companion, use of partograph, absence of stimulation to labor, delivery in non-supine position; skin-to-skin mother with newborn) were collected in 406 records, tabulated in spreadsheets and submitted to simple frequency analysis. Collection lasted from June to September 2014.

RESULTS

The assigned scores range from 0 to 5, according to the performance or not of practical activities. The following scores were obtained: 0 (7%); 1 (44,1%); 2 (40,4%); 3 (12,1%), 4 (2,5%), e 5 (0,2%).

CONCLUSION

In the usual risk maternities evaluated, the labor and birth care provided do not match the standards recommended by the World Health Organisation.

Humanização na atenção à saúde e as desigualdades raciais: uma proposta de intervenção

Resumo O artigo relata a proposta de ação/intervenção "Humanização do parto e nascimento: questões étnico/racial e de gênero", desenvolvida no Hospital Geral de São Mateus Dr. Manoel Bifulco em São Paulo (SP), que objetivou sensibilizar a equipe do hospital para a mortalidade materna de mulheres negras. Foram utilizados como fontes documentais relatórios de gestão, convênio estabelecido, relatórios de ordenamento de despesas e o livro Nascer com equidade. São descritas as sete etapas desenvolvidas: sensibilização e negociação na Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo (SES-SP); negociação com o Ministério da Saúde; sensibilização e pactuação com o serviço de saúde; diagnóstico da situação; sensibilização dos profissionais para as questões de gênero e raça/cor, com a introdução do quesito "cor" nos sistemas de informação; formação dos profissionais do hospital; e formação do movimento social. O projeto teve como resultados a inclusão do quesito "cor" na Autorização de Internação Hospitalar; a sensibilização da equipe para as especificidades da saúde da mulher negra; e a mudança de percepção da equipe em relação à presença do pai na hora do nascimento, gerando a campanha "Pai não é visita". O projeto foi efetivo na abordagem de temas complexos.

Factors associated with postpartum depressive symptomatology in Brazil: The Birth in Brazil National Research Study, 2011/2012

BACKGROUND

Depression is one of the most common postpartum mental disorders. Many sociodemographic and individuals risk factors are associated with maternal depression but the impact of high levels of birth intervention is unclear. The Brazilian context is characterized by excessive intervention and frequent non-compliance with recommended obstetric protocols. This study therefore examined the impact of sociodemographic, individual, and obstetric risk factors in postpartum depression.

METHODS

The Birth in Brazil research study is a national study of 23,894 postpartum women. Information about depression was obtained by telephone interview at 6-18 months after birth and was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

RESULTS

The prevalence of probable cases of depression was 26.3%. A multiple logistic regression model identified significant sociodemographic and individual risk factors as: brown skin color (OR=1.15 CI 1.01-1.31), lower economic class (OR=1.70 CI 1.41-2.06), alcohol use (OR=1.41 CI 1.09-1.84) and a history of mental disorders (OR=3.13 CI 1.80-5.44). Significant obstetric factors were unplanned pregnancy (OR=1.22 CI 1.05-1.43 for wanted later and OR=1.38 CI 1.20-1.60 for never wanted), multiparity (OR=1.97 CI 1.58-2.47 for 3 or more children), and poor care during birth (OR=2.02 CI 1.28-3.20) or of the newborn (OR=2.16 CI 1.51-3.10). Obstetric interventions and complications were not associated with maternal depression.

LIMITATIONS

Depression was measured only once so we are not able to examine the course over time. The associational and reverse causality cannot be ruled out for some variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of postpartum depression is high in Brazilian women six months after birth. Poor care of women and babies during birth is more important in postpartum depression than physical obstetric or neonatal intervention and complications.

Satisfaction of companions with the experience of supporting the parturient at a university hospital

A cross-sectional study that aimed to assess the satisfaction of companions with the experience of supporting the parturient, and to identify the related factors. Data were collected at a university hospital in Southern Brazil, by means of semi-structured interviews with 314 caregivers, between October of 2009 and January of 2010. The satisfaction scores were determined by the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The Kruskal-Wallis and the Mann-Whitney tests estimated the related factors. The mean satisfaction of the companions was high in three domains: 1) How the woman and the newborn were cared for (92,6; SD=11.5), 2) Welcoming in each place (89,9; SD=12.9), and 3) Explanation about what was happening (88,9; SD=14.1). The educational level was statistically related to the satisfaction in domain 3, not being present in the delivery room was statistically related to domain 1, and not receiving instructions from the physician regarding his role was statistically related to domain 2. The companions manifested high satisfaction with the experience of providing support to the women.

Violência obstétrica e prevenção quaternária: o que é e o que fazer

O objetivo deste artigo é justificar a necessidade de prevenção quaternária frente à 'violência obstétrica' (VO), terminologia que agrupa todas as formas de violência e danos originados no cuidado obstétrico profissional, bem como discutir estratégias e ações de prevenção quaternária a serem realizadas pelos médicos de família e comunidade (MFC), pelas equipes de atenção primária à saúde (APS) e suas entidades associativas. A prevalência de violência obstétrica no Brasil é alta: ¼ das mulheres relata terem sofrido maus-tratos durante o atendimento ao parto, além de excesso de intervenções desnecessárias (como venóclise, ocitocina de rotina e episiotomia) e privação de uma assistência baseada em boas práticas, tais como parto em posição vertical, possibilidade de se alimentar e de se movimentar durante o trabalho de parto e presença de um acompanhante. Destaca-se o excesso crônico de cesarianas (55,6% do total de nascimentos) no Brasil, mais prevalente no setor privado (85%) do que no público (40%). Ações de prevenção quaternária dirigidas à VO são propostas e discutidas, como: (1) a elaboração (individual e coletiva) de planos de parto orientados pelas equipes de APS no pré-natal (para os quais se oferece um roteiro); (2) a introdução de outros profissionais qualificados no cuidado ao parto de risco habitual (incluindo MFC capacitados); e (3) a participação dos MFC e profissionais da APS e suas associações no movimento social e político pela “humanização” do parto, com apoio às mudanças nas maternidades já em funcionamento e às novas iniciativas de serviços de cuidado ao parto. 

O acompanhante no centro obstétrico de um hospital universitário do sul do Brasil

RESUMO Objetivos Verificar a prevalência de acompanhante, o tipo de vínculo com a mulher e as justificativas para sua ausência no Centro Obstétrico de um hospital universitário de Porto Alegre (RS). Métodos Estudo quantitativo, transversal, realizado com 385 mulheres no período de agosto a novembro de 2012. Procedeu-se à análise descritiva. Resultados Constataram-se 97,1% de acompanhantes no trabalho de parto; 90,6% no parto; 28,6% na recuperação pós-parto; e 87,1% na realização dos primeiros cuidados com o recém-nascido. O companheiro da mulher foi o acompanhante predominante em todos os momentos. O motivo mais citado para a sua ausência na recuperação pós-parto foi “não permitido” (57,8%). Conclusões A Instituição cumpre as determinações legais referentes à presença de acompanhante, no entanto, ainda há necessidade de sensibilização dos profissionais de saúde quanto à importância do acompanhante no pós-parto imediato, assim como de adequações do espaço físico do local, favorecendo a presença desse suporte à mulher.

Intervenções obstétricas durante o trabalho de parto e parto em mulheres brasileiras de risco habitual

Este artigo avaliou o uso das boas práticas (alimentação, deambulação, uso de métodos não farmacológicos para alívio da dor e de partograma) e de intervenções obstétricas na assistência ao trabalho de parto e parto de mulheres de risco obstétrico habitual. Foram utilizados dados da pesquisa Nascer no Brasil, estudo de base hospitalar realizada em 2011/2012, com entrevistas de 23.894 mulheres. As boas práticas durante o trabalho de parto ocorreram em menos de 50% das mulheres, sendo menos frequentes nas regiões Norte, Nordeste e Centro-oeste. O uso de ocitocina e amniotomia foi de 40%, sendo maior no setor público e nas mulheres com menor escolaridade. A manobra de Kristeller, episiotomia e litotomia foram utilizada, em 37%, 56% e 92% das mulheres, respectivamente. A cesariana foi menos frequente nas usuárias do setor público, não brancas, com menor escolaridade e multíparas. Para melhorar a saúde de mães e crianças e promover a qualidade de vida, o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e, sobretudo o setor privado, necessitam mudar o modelo de atenção obstétrica promovendo um cuidado baseado em evidências científicas.