OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the applicability of the ophthalmia neonatorum prophylaxis in five maternities obstetric services of Greater Florianopolis, Brazil; during march 2007. METHODS: Five maternities obstetric services of Greater Florianopolis were visited and questioned about the method carried through in the prevention of the ON, the cost for unit of used eye drops unit, the knowledge of the Credé method and the current legislation. RESULTS: The prophylactic solutions used were povidone-iodine 2.5% and silver vitelinate 10%. The use of silver vitelinate 10% was predominant in the analyzed services (60%) and also of lower cost (from R$ 5,26 to R$ 7,23 for bottle of 5 ml) when compared with povidone-iodine 2.5% that had cost of R$ 15,00 the 5 ml bottle and R$ 25,40 the 10 ml bottle. Among interviewees only one had knowledge on the current legislation concerning the applicability of the prophylaxis of the ophthalmia neonatorum. CONCLUSIONS: The applicability of the neonatal prophylaxis in the majority of the maternities obstetric services of Greater Florianopolis is carried through incorrect way and it is not in agreement with the current legislation.
Ophthalmia neonatorum; Conjunctivitis; Prophylaxis; Obstetrics and gynecology department, hospital; Legislation
