ADEQUACY OF PRENATAL CARE IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM OF A MUNICIPALITY IN CENTRAL-WESTERN BRAZIL

Abstract

Prenatal care is essential for reducing maternal and infant complications and is an important indicator of the quality of health care. This study aimed to evaluate the adequacy of prenatal care in the public health system of the municipality of Cáceres, Mato Grosso, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, conducted with 106 postpartum women admitted to a referral hospital. Data collection was carried out through structured interviews, including sociodemographic variables and characteristics of prenatal care. The adequacy of prenatal care was evaluated using the Kessner Index modified by Takeda, which considers the gestational age at the first prenatal visit and the number of prenatal visits performed. A high prevalence of adequate prenatal care was observed, with 86.8% of cases classified as adequate and 13.2% as intermediate, with no records of inadequate care. Prenatal care in the municipality showed high adequacy, indicating good access and continuity of care. However, the presence of intermediate cases highlights the need to strengthen actions aimed at the early initiation of prenatal care and the adequate number of prenatal visits.