Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the pregnancy cards follow-ups of which were completed in 2006 and effect of the person carrying out follow-ups on quality

In this study, our aim was to investigate the qualitative and quantitative adequacy of the pregnancy follow-ups carried in Manisa Center in 2006, to determine the quality level by defining standard quality criteria for evaluating pregnancy follow-ups and to study effects of pregnancy characteristics that may have an effect on filling the cards.In the present cross-sectional study, follow-ups of 232 pregnant women (those whose follow ups were carried out between ?12th and ?32nd week and completed in 2006) were evaluated with regard to Pregnancy Follow-up Quality Point.In the analysis were used with Chi-square, Fisher?s Exact Test, Independent Samples t Test and Logistic Regression. 95% Confidence interval was used to evaluate the test results.In 232 cards evaluated, the average number of pregnancy follow-ups was 6.8±1.5 (minimum 3, maximum 13 follow-ups). 45.3% of the pregnant women had six or less follow-ups. Although the adequate follow-up was 81.0%, follow-ups at adequate intervals were 29.3%. The most carried out controls were blood pressure (6.6±1.6) and weight measurement (6.5±1.7).According to follow-up cards, general filling frequency was 85.3% and average filling frequency according to criteri evaluating the quality of the pregnancy follow-up was 75.1%. In evaluating follow-up cards with respect to quality criteria, the average quality point was 7.4±1.2 (minimum 3.0, maximum 10.0) and median point was 8.0.50.4% of the cards were rated as ?quality cards? as they were above average (?7.4). In evaluating quality of the follow-ups cards filled by midwives, the average quality point of urban midwives were significantly higher that those of rural midwives. Moreover, the average quality point of those kept away from work during the previous 1 year due to health problems were significantly higher than those of not.However, these two significances were not proven by logistic regression analysis which means that midwife carrying out the follow up had no effect. The average quality point of the pregnant women living in urban, at an age of 30 and above, having an educational background of primary school or higher level and having multiple pregnancies were significantly higher. Regression analysis revealed that age and educational level of the pregnant woman did not have any effect on the quality. Using quality criteria as standard criteria in evaluating pregnant follow-ups could provide a consensus in comparing and interpreting different studies on this subject.Key words: Pregnancy follow-up, quality point, midwife, Form 005.