Prenatal and Birth Care of Roma Women

Autores de IDIVAL

• María Paz Zulueta

  Autor

Autores ajenos al IDIVAL

• Fernández-Feito A
• Bueno-Pérez A
• Díaz-Alonso J
• Lana A

Unidades

• DERECHO SANITARIO Y BIOÉTICA

  

  Investigador Responsable

  Joaquín Cayón De Las Cuevas

Abstract

BackgroundThe reproductive health of Roma women has been poorly studied. It is important to determine the follow-up care received by Roma women from pregnancy to the first postpartum visit, together with neonatal outcomes, to improve prenatal care and maternal-child outcomes.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine differences in prenatal care and maternal-infant outcomes between Roma and non-Roma women.MethodsA retrospective longitudinal study was conducted in 122 pregnant women (28 Roma and 94 non-Roma women) recruited from seven primary care centers in three districts of Asturias (Spain). Sociodemographic variables, prenatal control, birth characteristics, feeding, and neonatal outcomes (gestational age, weight, and APGAR [appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration]) were collected from the electronic medical records. Prenatal care was assessed using three indices: the Kessner index, the Modified Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization Spanish Index, and an ad hoc index that considered adherence to the recommendations for pregnant women in Spain.ResultsCompared with non-Roma women, advanced maternal age (>= 35 years) and primigravida were less common among Roma women. Roma women visited the dentist less often, smoked more, and underwent group B streptococcus screening less frequently. No differences were found in the number of prenatal visits between Roma and non-Roma women. Consequently, there were no differences between the Kessner index and the Modified Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization Spanish Index. Using the ad hoc index, the non-Roma women more frequently had adequate prenatal visits. There were no differences in birth characteristics, type of feeding, and neonatal outcomes.DiscussionOverall, prenatal care was slightly worse in Roma women; however, this did not imply worse neonatal health outcomes. Both study groups had similar birth characteristics and immediate puerperium, including feeding.