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.
Objetivo:: Comparar uso y registro del carné de control pediátrico (CCP) entre madres beneficiarias y no beneficiarias del Programa Bolsa Familia (PBF).
Métodos:: Estudio transversal entre enero y febrero del 2023 con madres de niños < 6años, en unidades de salud de Salvador-Bahía. Se evaluó CSN en términos de uso (tener el carné, tenerlo en mano y haberlo leído) y registro (curvas de crecimiento, formularios del desarrollo y vacunación). Se utilizó estadística descriptiva y prueba de chi-cuadrado.
Resultados:: De los 411 participantes, el 66% fueron del PBF. Hubo diferencia significativa entre los grupos respecto al uso del CCP: tenerlo (p < 0,001), concurrir con él (p = 0,037) haberlo leído (p < 0,001). Respecto al registro, hubo diferencia significativa sólo en vacunación (p = 0,005).
Conclusión:: Hubo diferencia significativa en el uso y cumplimiento de la vacunación, comparando madres beneficiarias y no beneficiarias del PBF.
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.