The relationship among prenatal care, perinatal outcomes and hospital cost in women of low socioeconomic status

Date

1992-11

Authors

Turner, Venius

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Abstract

This retrospective, descriptive study examined the relationship of perinatal outcomes and hospital cost with prenatal care (PNC) in 486 low-socioeconomic clients.· Delivery statistics and hospital bills were reviewed to gather data on each client and ANOVA was used to analyze the data. There were 7 (5.3%) incidences of preterm births in the adequate PNC group and 16 (14.2%) in the inadequate PNC group (p=<.05). In the adequate PNC group 7.5% (n=lO) were I low birthweight, while in the inadequate PNC group 12.4% (n=14) were low birthweight (p=<.005). The total hospital charges were $7044.14 in the adequate PNC group and $12,321.11 in the inadequate PNC group (p=<.05). Important differences between ·other perinatal outcomes and levels of PNC were·also found as well as significant differences between those clients with. some PNC and- thpse with no PNC. Recommendations were made for the need to -examine reasons why women do not receive pren~tal care and ways to overcome these barriers.

Description

Keywords

Prenatal care, Prematurity, Low birthweight

Citation

DOI