Determinants of prenatal quality in Primary Health Care: the role of Matrix Support in Women’s Health

Abstract Background The Matrix Support (MS) in Women’s Health is one of the formative process management initiatives aimed at improving the quality of the Family Health Strategy. Objective Evaluate prenatal care in Primary Health Care units and the influence of MS as a determinant of health care quality in the municipality of Vitória, Espírito Santo state, Brazil. Method A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted using four quality levels: Level 1, Kotelchuk index adapted by Traldi; Level 2, which adds clinical-obstetric procedures to Level 1; Level 3, which adds laboratory tests to Level 1; Level 4, which jointly analyzes all previous parameters. Results A decline in the adequacy of assistance was observed as the level of analysis becomes more complex. The variables associated with inadequate health quality were high-risk pregnancy (OR: 1.86; 1.02 to 3.38) and absence of MS (OR: 1.66; 1.17 to 2.35). Conclusion The implementation and enhancement of reorganization strategies in health services and practices, such as the Matrix Support, are determinants of quality improvement in prenatal care, and it is important to increase their degree of support.