Use and filling out of the child health booklet among beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família Program in Salvador-Bahia, Brazil: a cross-sectional study, 2023Abstract
Objective: To compare child health booklet (CHB) use and filling out among mothers who were or were not Bolsa Família Program (BFP) beneficiaries.
Methods: Cross-sectional study with mothers of children <6years attending health centers in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, between January-February/2023. The CHB was evaluated regarding its use (having a CHB, having it in hand, and having read it) and filling out (growth curves, development monitoring forms, and vaccination completeness). Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used.
Results: Of the 411 study participants, 66% were BFP beneficiaries. Significant differences were found between the groups regarding CHB use: having a CHB (p < 0.001), having it in hand (p = 0.037), and having read it (p < 0.001). Significant difference in vaccination completeness was found (p = 0.005).
Conclusion: There was a significant difference in CHB use and vaccination completeness when comparing mothers who were BFP beneficiaries and those who were not.
Keywords:
Child Health; Child Development; Primary Health Care; Social Programs; Cross-Sectional Studies
Study contributions
Main results The Child Health Booklet achieved a higher proportion of use and filling out among the group of mothers benefiting from the Bolsa Família Program. Despite this, use and filling out of the booklet are still below expectations.
Implications for services Completely filling out the Child Health Booklet must be part of the routine monitoring of the growth and development of all children, especially those benefited by the Bolsa Família Program, as they are the most vulnerable group.
Perspectives Continuing education actions and the obligation to fill out the booklet as a condition of being benefited by the Bolsa Família Program can contribute to the effective monitoring of all children.