Health promotion in the puerperium: evaluation of care in Primary Care

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate healthcare actions developed by Primary Health Care (PHC)
professionals for women in the postpartum period. An evaluative study of the implementation
analysis type with a quantitative and qualitative approach was carried out in a municipality
in each state in the South region of Brazil. Thirty-one puerperal women and 28 primary
care professionals participated. Data analysis was performed by evaluating the degree of
implementation determined by the Analysis and Judgment Matrix, followed by categorical
content analysis. The results showed that one case was considered incipient implantation and
the other two partial ones. A lack of physical examination during consultations, of exclusive
attention to the newborn, of guidance on warning signs and common problems, and late
performance of the first postpartum consultation were observed. It is concluded that physical
health care must be improved by professionals to guarantee better care.