Prenatal care, infant birthweight and infant mortality in Puerto Rico

Abstract

This study purports to analyze selected demographic and socio-economic correlated of prenatal care in Puerto Rico. Also, the relationship between prenatal care and infant birthweight and mortality is examined. The data was obtained from the 1986 live birth and death certificates. Three indicators of adequacy of prenatal care were utilized in the analysis: number of prenatal care visits, trimester in which this care began and the "Kessner Index". The findings of the study revealed that prenatal care in Puerto Rico has improved both in terms of early care and in continuity, since 1980. Great geographical differences in adequacy of prenatal care were observed throughout the Island. Prenatal care varies considerably among different population subgroups. Inadequate prenatal care was more frequent among adolescent, unwed and high parity mothers as well as among those of the lowest socio-economic strata. Furthermore, these groups had the highest proportion of low birthweight babies and their offsprings, the highest mortality rates. The statistical evidence obtained from this study suggests that this is in part due to the inadequate prenatal care received by these mothers.