Socio-Economic Inequalities in Health, Habits and Self-Care During Pregnancy in Spain

Abstract

Socioeconomic disadvantage can be harmful for mother's health and can influence child's health long term. The aim of this study is to analyse social inequalities between pregnant women from four INMA (INfancia y Medio Ambiente) cohorts. The analysis included 2,607 pregnant women recruited between 2004 and 2008 from four INMA cohorts. Data on maternal characteristics were collected through two questionnaires completed in the first and third trimester of pregnancy. The relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and maternal health, dietary intake, lifestyle habits and self-care related variables was modelled using logistic regression analysis. 33.5 % of women had a university level of education and 47 % had high occupational class. Women with higher SES reported healthier habits, fewer complications during pregnancy, better weight gain control and attended more prenatal appointments than women with lower SES. The risk of sedentary behaviour and passive smoking was higher among women with a lower level of education (OR = 1.7, 95 % CI 1.3-2.2 and OR = 1.6, 95 % CI 1.2-2.3, respectively) and with less skilled occupations (OR = 1.7, 95 % CI 1.4-2.0 and OR = 1.2, 95 % CI 1.0-1.5, respectively). Although both SES indicators-occupation and education-act as social determinants of diet, occupation was a more powerful determinant than education. For other lifestyle and self-caring variables, education was a more powerful predictor than occupation. Social inequalities were observed in health, habits and self-care during pregnancy. Proper care during pregnancy requires the control of common clinical variables and the knowledge of socioeconomic conditions of the pregnant women.

Appraisal of the practice of ocular self-medication in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

“…This is largely so as it has been asserted that individuals in the high socioeconomic class are more aware of their ocular health needs and as a result tend to practice self-care. 30 Although majority of the population who practiced ocular self-medication had good medical knowledge (71, 72.4%), having good medical knowledge was not associated with the practising of self-medication (P=0.772). As expected, good medical knowledge is associated with rational use of drug and a very essential prerequisite for reasonable self-care practices, 31 but the practice of ocular self-medication among this population was without recourse to adequate knowledge.…”

Parity implications for anthropometrical variables, lifestyle behaviors and dietary habits in pregnant women

“…Educational level and other socioeconomic features have an impact on maternal and child health 17 . A high level of education implies a better access and understanding of the information about the benefits of following healthy habits during pregnancy 17 .…”

“…A high level of education implies a better access and understanding of the information about the benefits of following healthy habits during pregnancy 17 . In our research, there were a lower percentage of multiparas with a university degree than nulliparas.…”

Healthy gestational weight gain prevalence and associated risk factors: A population-based study in the far South of Brazil

“…Higher education levels in the study women were associated with higher probabilities of healthy weight gain. Higher education levels provide more information and understanding of the criteria required for making healthier food choices 24 . In addition to a better balanced diet, these women are more active and likely to have better life habits.…”