The Postpartum Health Status of Women in an Urban Clinic in Santiago, Dominican Republic

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to learn about possible trends and gain information about the health of women in the postpartum state.;METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a free, primary care clinic in an urban neighborhood in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Mothers with children between zero and six months were asked to complete a survey regarding their health practices, beliefs, and behaviors after childbirth while visiting the clinic.;RESULTS: A total of 29 mothers were surveyed upon visiting the clinic. Over 60% of women reported that their pregnancies were unplanned, 70% reported having a C-section, and 21% reported exclusive breastfeeding. Contraception use before and after pregnancy was 28% and 38%, respectively. Data analysis showed no significant difference between any of the groups (women using contraception versus breastfeeding frequency and time waited before first postpartum visit, and planned pregnancy versus first postpartum visit; having other children versus time waited before resuming sexual relations, civil status versus breastfeeding, and breastfeeding versus type of birth).;DISCUSSION: The survey results showed high rates of C-sections and low rates of breastfeeding, demonstrating that education interventions are needed in these two areas. The results were limited due to the low sample size of the patient group. Therefore, more research is needed to fully understand the needs of this population in order to establish interventions that are generalizable to the community. However, this preliminary research is helpful in deciding where focus is needed and how research should be continued in the future. Primary, clinically significant findings point to further education about the benefits of breastfeeding and access to contraception before and after pregnancy. The study was completed at the request of the local partner at Juan XXIII Hospital in Santiago. Future research is dependent upon the ability of the Dominican team to implement interventions that will improve the health outcomes of this population.