Analysis of the Mother and Child Care Program in Pandemic Times

Abstract

Introduction: The Mather and Child Care Program, created with the purpose of decreasing morbimortality and improving the living conditions of the population, comprehensively guarantees the health of women, children and adolescents, as well as family planning.

Objective: To describe the behavior of the main indicators of the Mother and Child Care Program in Sancti Spíritus, during the year 2021 and under the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study was carried out. The universe included all births in the province in 2021, maternal deaths, deaths in ages from birth to 14 years, low birth weight and primitive cesarean sections.

Results: Infant mortality was 4.5 per thousand live births; there was a decrease in the birth rate, with 305 fewer births. Maternal death rate was 84.8 per 100,000 live births. The rates of low birth weight and primitive cesarean section were 6.4 % and 24%, respectively. The survival rate in critical care services at neonatal intensive care units was 97.9 %; in pediatric care, 95.6 %; and 94.9 % in maternal care.

Conclusions: During a year that the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic blockade were a challenge for the health system in the province, health indexes below the national average were maintained, which shows the altruistic work of the involved personnel.