Use and filling out of the child health booklet among beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família Program in Salvador-Bahia, Brazil: a cross-sectional study, 2023

Abstract

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). Conclusions: There was a significant difference in CHB use and vaccination completeness when comparing mothers who were BFP beneficiaries and those who were not.