Attention to family planning and avoidable reproductive risk : a transversal study

Abstract

Aim: To know the profile of women assisted in the family planning program and to verify the presence of reproductive risks. Method: This is an analytic, transversal study performed with 264 users of the family planning program of the public health system of the city of Fortaleza, Brazil, from March to June 2010. The data was collected through interviews and then submitted to a descriptive statistical analysis. Results: The predominant age group was between 20 and 28 years old (52.7%), with a single partner (84.1%), completed high school (59.5%) and income above three times the minimum wage (42.4%). The prevailing reproductive risk factor was teenage pregnancy (36%), followed by a pregnancy interval below two years (15.9%), multiparity, that is more than four deliveries, (6.4%) and pregnancy above the age of 35 years old (3%). Discussion: The findings demonstrate an elevated prevalence of reproductive risks in women assisted by the family planning program. Conclusion: Avoidable risk factors must be the focus of education in health programs, so couples can plan pregnancies without risks.