ABSTRACT
Objective:
to identify the perinatal factors associated with prematurity in neonatal intensive care units from prenatal care.
Method:
a case-control study carried out in the southern region of the country with 186 puerperal women, from July to November 2018. A hierarchical approach strategy and conditional logistic regression were used in data analysis.
Results:
among the preterm births, 5.9% (n=11) were classified as extremely premature (<31 weeks), 12.9% (n=24) as moderate prematurity (32 to 34 weeks and 6 days) and 31.2% (n=58) as late premature (35 to 36 weeks and 6 days). The factors associated with the occurrence of prematurity were maternal age (30 years old), schooling (<8 years) and income (4 wages). Among the perinatal factors in the final adjustment model, insufficient number of consultations (OR 2.69/95% CI 1.10 - 6.55) and late onset of prenatal care (OR 4.34/95% CI 1.49 - 12.58) were associated with the occurrence of the outcome. On the other hand, absence of complications, premature membrane rupture and infections in the current pregnancy, as well as adequate clinical management and specific referral were protective factors against the occurrence of births before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Conclusion:
it is necessary that health professionals are accessible to the most varied social changes, considering their role as educators and health promoters. Qualified and appropriate Nursing assistance in prenatal care for pregnant women reduces the chance of the newborns being admitted to neonatal intensive care units.
DESCRIPTORS:
Prenatal care; Premature birth; Risk factors; Neonatal intensive care unit; Premature