Analysis of calcium prescription in prenatal care for pregnant women in the unified health system of Cascavel, Paraná
Keywords:
Dietary calcium, Maternal nutrition, PreeclampsiaAbstract
Preeclampsia represents a public health issue due to its severe complications, including maternal death. In this context, calcium supplementation is relevant for its association with reducing the incidence of preeclampsia. This study analyzed the prescription of calcium in prenatal care for pregnant women attended by the Unified Health System (SUS) in Cascavel, Paraná, through an observational cross-sectional analytical study with data collected from 92 questionnaires completed by pregnant women. A significant association was observed between a family history of high blood pressure and medical guidance on calcium consumption. A binary logistic regression analysis showed that having a family history of high blood pressure significantly increased the likelihood of receiving this guidance. The analysis reveals a significant gap between current practices and the World Health Organization's recommendations for calcium supplementation during pregnancy. Calcium is crucial in this context, and adequate supplementation can reduce the incidence and severity of preeclampsia. Therefore, it is essential to improve clinical guidance, promote awareness of prenatal care and calcium-rich diets, and conduct more comprehensive investigations to implement effective calcium supplementation strategies
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