Perceived satisfaction of prenatal care among women without social security: comparative qualitative analysis between individual and group care models in Mexico

Background The inadequate handling of obstetrical complications may be attributed to the suboptimal quality of prenatal care (PC) and a lack of trust in healthcare provider (HP) among pregnant women.Objective This study explores the perceptions of satisfaction among women without social security reg...

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Main Authors: Blair Darney, Jacqueline Elizabeth Alcalde-Rabanal, Miriam Rosario Santivañez Salazar, Ileana Beatriz Heredia-Pi, Lourdes Campero
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMJ Publishing Group 2025-08-01
Series:BMJ Open
Online Access:https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/8/e094797.full
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Summary:Background The inadequate handling of obstetrical complications may be attributed to the suboptimal quality of prenatal care (PC) and a lack of trust in healthcare provider (HP) among pregnant women.Objective This study explores the perceptions of satisfaction among women without social security regarding the PC provided by public health services, and compares the dimensions of satisfaction between those who received group prenatal care (GPC) and those who received individual prenatal care (IPC), as well as to identify the dimensions of satisfaction most valued by women to support the inclusion of said dimensions in primary health guidelines.Design We performed a qualitative analysis to explore women’s satisfaction perception regarding PC. Satisfaction was explored using the following dimensions: women-HP relationship, educational support, opportunity of PC, emotional support and perception of clinical procedures.Setting The study was conducted between 2015 and 2018 across eight primary health facilities, from which four implemented IPC and four implemented GPC. Semi-structured interviews were applied: 28 for women with IPC and 18 for women with GPC. The sample size was defined by theoretical saturation. Content analysis was performed using a combination of deductive–inductive process into dimensions and attributes. To analyse the relationship among dimensions and attributes, we performed onto semiotic networks. ATLAS.ti was used to analyse the information.Participants Women without social security who received PC care in public health facilities.Results Women who received GPC reported higher satisfaction than those who received IPC. In GPC, the most valued dimensions were (1) women-HP relationship, particularly the continuity of care delivered by the same HP and (2) the trust in that same provider. According to semiotic networks, these dimensions showed interconnections with each other, but also connected with attributes of other dimensions. Therefore, they have the potential to enhance trust, communication, the effectiveness of educational activities and emotional support.Conclusion A holistic approach to GPC is essential for ensuring a positive prenatal experience. However, a hybrid model that incorporates elements of both IPC can further enhance overall satisfaction among women. Consistency in care, particularly by providing services in public health facilities with the same HP, should be a fundamental strategy in PC, as it can significantly improve women’s satisfaction.
ISSN:2044-6055