The relationship among prenatal care, perinatal outcomes and hospital cost in women of low socioeconomic status

Abstract

This retrospective, descriptive study examined the relationship of perinatal outcomes and hospital cost with prenatal care (PNC) in 486 low-socioeconomic clients.· Delivery statistics and hospital bills were reviewed to gather data on each client and ANOVA was used to analyze the data. There were 7 (5.3%) incidences of preterm births in the adequate PNC group and 16 (14.2%) in the inadequate PNC group (p=<.05). In the adequate PNC group 7.5% (n=lO) were I low birthweight, while in the inadequate PNC group 12.4% (n=14) were low birthweight (p=<.005). The total hospital charges were $7044.14 in the adequate PNC group and $12,321.11 in the inadequate PNC group (p=<.05). Important differences between ·other perinatal outcomes and levels of PNC were·also found as well as significant differences between those clients with. some PNC and- thpse with no PNC. Recommendations were made for the need to -examine reasons why women do not receive pren~tal care and ways to overcome these barriers.