Desigualdades sociodemográficas e na assistência à maternidade entre puérperas no Sudeste do Brasil segundo cor da pele: dados do inquérito nacional Nascer no Brasil (2011-2012)

Measuring resilience and stress during pregnancy and its relation to vulnerability and pregnancy outcomes in a nulliparous cohort study

BACKGROUND

Resilience reflects coping with pregnancy-specific stress, including physiological adaptations of the maternal organism or factors arising from the socioeconomic context, such as low income, domestic violence, drug and alcohol use, lack of a support network and other vulnerability characteristics. Resilience is a dynamic characteristic that should be comparatively evaluated within a specific context; its association with perceived stress and social vulnerability during pregnancy is still not fully understood. This study aimed at exploring maternal resilience, perceived stress and social vulnerability during pregnancy and its associated factors and outcomes.

METHODS

Prospective multicenter cohort study of nulliparous women in Brazil determining resilience (Resilience Scale; RS) and stress (Perceived Stress Scale; PSS) at 28 weeks of gestation (± 1 week). Resilience and stress scores were compared according to sociodemographic characteristics related to maternal/perinatal outcomes and social vulnerability, defined as having low level of education, being adolescent, without a partner or ethnicity other than white.

RESULTS

We included 383 women who completed the RS and PSS instruments. Most women showed low resilience scores (median: 124.0; IQR 98-143). Women with a low resilience score (RS < 125) were more likely from the Northeast region, adolescents, other than whites, did not study or work, had a low level of education, low family income and received public antenatal care. Higher scores of perceived stress were shown in the Northeast, other than whites, at low levels of education, low annual family income and public antenatal care. Pregnant women with low resilience scores (n = 198) had higher perceived stress scores (median = 28) and at least one vulnerability criterion (n = 181; 91.4%).

CONCLUSION

Our results reinforce the role of resilience in protecting women from vulnerability and perceived stress. It may prevent complications and build a positive experience during pregnancy.

Global profile of anemia during pregnancy versus country income overview: 19 years estimative (2000-2019)

Anemia is a worldwide public health problem that is worst in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), reaching 60% of prevalence. The etiology of anemia is diverse and multifactorial, with iron deficiency being the most prevalent, and often found in pregnant women. Iron is indispensable for the production of red blood cells and approximately 80% of the available heme iron is used for hemoglobin synthesis in mature erythroblasts. Iron deficiency affects oxygen transport, compromising energy and muscle metabolism and can occur with depletion of iron storage, defective erythropoiesis, and low hemoglobin levels. We analyzed anemia prevalence in pregnant women from 2000 to 2019 worldwide correlating them with current (2022) country income, with especial attention to LMICs using WHO dataset. Our analysis indicates that pregnant women from LMICs had a higher probability (40%) of anemia during pregnancy especially those from Africa and South Asia. Africa and the Americas showed a higher decrease in the prevalence of anemia from 2000 to 2019. The Americas and Europe have a lower prevalence, concentrated in 57% of most upper-middle- and high-income countries. Black women are also more prone to develop anemia during pregnancy, especially if they are from LMICs. However, the prevalence of anemia appears to decrease with an increase in educational level. In conclusion, anemia prevalence fluctuated from 5.2 to 65.7% worldwide in 2019, validating it as a public health problem.

Barriers in Accessing Care for Consequence of Unsafe Abortion by Black Women: Evidence of Institutional Racism in Brazil

Women face difficulties in accessing post-abortion care, as hierarchical care operates under discrimination mechanisms that condemn women in abortion. In addition, it is the Black and Brown women who are more subject to unsafe abortions and need hospitalization to complete the termination of pregnancy or treat associated complications. This study aimed at identifying factors associated with the institutional barriers in access to health services for women who underwent abortion by race/color. The survey encompassed 2640 users admitted to public hospitals in Salvador, Recife, and São Luís. Differences among covariables according to race/color (Black, Brown, and White women) were analyzed and tested for statistical significance using Pearson's χ² test. The regression analysis initially included variables that may express the technical criteria of priority in care (time of pregnancy when abortion occurred and conditions of arrival), then the sociodemographic characteristics, and, lastly, the type of abortion declared. Black women faced more institutional difficulties (27.7% vs 19.5% in White women and 18.7% in Brown women), such as waiting to be attended and getting a bed. The association between being Black women and institutional barriers remained, even after adjustments in the regression model. Institutional racism limits access to health services and timely care for Black women, acting as a performative mechanism, legitimizing and generating exclusionary behaviors. The results demonstrate that the intersection between racial discrimination and abortion stigma redouble institutional barriers that are denominated intersectional discrimination.

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.

Racismo institucional e a saúde da mulher negra: uma análise da produção científica brasileira

RESUMO O Brasil carrega em sua história séculos de escravidão e ideologias racistas que se refletem no quadro de desigualdades sociais na atualidade. Pesquisas revelam que mulheres negras possuem o pior acesso e qualidade de atendimento em saúde, o que seria consequência do racismo institucional. Com base nesses dados, realizou-se revisão de literatura utilizando a metodologia de revisão sistemática com objetivo de levantar a produção científica brasileira referente ao racismo institucional e à saúde da mulher negra, além de analisar como o tema tem sido tratado pelos pesquisadores. Ficou evidenciado que a literatura a respeito permanece escassa, reforçando a necessidade de se abordar o tema racismo nas pesquisas. Apesar de a desigualdade racial se confirmar em todos os artigos analisados, suas conclusões foram diversas e alguns autores interpretaram os dados como consequência apenas da desigualdade econômica. Conclui-se que o debate a respeito do racismo é de fundamental importância no seu combate e que a associação da desigualdade racial à condição econômica é um reflexo do mito da democracia racial que contribui para a manutenção do racismo institucional. É necessária maior sensibilização dos profissionais a respeito do racismo, de forma a que se torne indispensável pensar na categoria racial para obtenção de uma saúde igualitária.

Brazilian regional differences and factors associated with the prevalence of cesarean sections

Abstract Introduction: Brazil presents high C-section prevalence rates. Several factors may be associated with such high rates. Objective: To observe and analyze factors associated with the prevalence of cesarean sections in Brazil, according to their occurrence in Brazilian regions. Methods: An ecological study, having C-section as the outcome, from 1990 to 2013, in Brazilian regions, using data from the Brazilian National Health Survey, 2013. Records of women in their reproductive period, aged between 18 and 49 years, were included, totaling a sample of 16,175 women. Descriptive and bivariate analysis was carried out with logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of cesarean sections in Brazil was 53.03%. Vaginal delivery was more prevalent in the North (52.74%) and Northeast (51.06%) regions, while C-section was more prevalent in the Southeast (59.32%), South (56.96%) and Midwest (61.48%) regions. Over the years, an increased probability of cesarean sections was observed, particularly in the following regions: Northeast (2.21 times more, CI95%: 1,42 - 3,46) and South (2.75 times more, CI95%: 1,44 - 5,23). Women with higher levels of education are 2.05 times (CI95%: 1.27 - 3.30) more likely to have a C-section, especially those in the Northern and Southern regions. In the Northeast, this probability increased, regardless of the level of education. Conclusion: The prevalence of cesarean sections in Brazil is high and, over the years, factors such as level of education, maternal age and having health insurance, seem to contribute to the increase in surgical deliveries.

Institutional violence during the parturition process in Brazil: integrative review

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the types of institutional violence of childbirth reported by the woman, the birth companion and health professionals. Method: Integrative review that analyzed 33 articles in the LILACS, BDENF, INDEXPSI, regional SciELO, Scopus, Web Of Science and PubMed databases. Results: Women were the main violence rapporteur, with predominance of the psychological type. Precarious infrastructure and the imposition of professional decisions were identified by the companion as violence. For health professionals, performing procedures without consent does not characterize violence, but guarantees childbirth security. Final considerations: The most common types of violence in Brazilian maternity hospitals are psychological, physical and structural. Most of the time, violence is reported by women, although professionals also perceive and admit its perpetuation.