USE OF THE RAPID ASSESSMENT METHOD IN MATERNITY CARE - A PRACTICAL EXAMPLE

Objectives: To assess maternity care services in three primary health care centers in Al Khobar area, Saudi Arabia, using a rapid assessment method. Design: Retrospective review of a random sample of antenatal care family health records. Methods: A 30% systematic random sample of antenatal care records were selected. Data was collected using a chec klist and focus group discussion with health teams of the centers. Res ults: Recording of history and physical examination was adequate for a ll records in all visits. High risk mothers were identified and approp riately referred. About half of the pregnant mothers attended antenata l care at 16 weeks or less. The mean number of visits during pregnancy was 7.0+/-3 (1 SD). There was no significant difference in the mean H b levels between the first and last antenatal care visits. Conclusions : There is increased utilization of antenatal care services and better awareness of health team members. More effort is required for the man agement and prevention of anemia during pregnancy.