Maternal educational level: correlation with obstetric indicators [Escolaridade materna: correlação com os indicadores obstétricos.]

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate associations between level of maternal education as the dependent variable and several variables present in birth certificates under the official Brazilian Ministry of Health model. A total of 3,843 birth certificates were analyzed from Guaratinguetá, São Paulo State, for singleton hospital deliveries in 1998. Statistically significant associations were found between low maternal educational level and low birth weight, 3 or more live births, history of stillbirth, and prenatal care including up to 6 visits. No association was found between abortions and preterm delivery as described in other studies, perhaps due to insufficient information. Maternal educational level can thus be considered an obstetric marker for some risk factors for the mother and infant.