Factors related to the prevalence of pregnancy complications among subsistence workers in Medellín - Colombia.

Abstract

Introduction: For the informal female workers on the streets and sidewalks of big cities, called "venteras," experiencing a pregnancy in a healthy environment is an ideal difficult to achieve.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of pregnancy complications and their relationship with health, working, and non-working conditions among the "venteras" in downtown Medellín.

Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized primary data collected through a survey administered to 291 workers. An assisted survey was conducted after obtaining informed consent from the participants. The variables included self-reported pregnancy complications, sociodemographic data, work-related conditions, home responsibilities, environmental factors, support and solidarity, and comorbidities. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed using chi-square tests and prevalence ratios (PR). A multivariate analysis was conducted using binomial regression. Statistical tests were carried out with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and a 5% margin of error.

Results: The workers' mean age was 48 years, with a mean education of < 6 years; 39% had more than 2 dependents. Additionally, 53.6% reported feeling discriminated against by authorities, and 23.7% by their peers; 21.6% reported severe family dysfunction, and 15.5% showed moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. The prevalence of complications during pregnancy was 36.9%. Factors contributing to the explanation (p < 0.05) of more complications included living in a room/boarding house (_AdjustedPR [_APR] = 3.78, 95% CI 1.20-11.91), working while pregnant (_APR 1.80, 95% CI 1.07-3.03), having moderate/severe depressive symptoms (_APR = 15.02, 95% CI 1.34-167.79), and exposure to pollutants for more than 10 hours a day (_APR = 8.11, 95% CI 8.04-214.09).

Conclusions: Conditions associated with a higher prevalence of pregnancy complications in these workers are health determinants that require joint efforts from the state, workers, and society.