OBJECTIVES: to compare the quality of the maternal-perinatal health services (MPHS) between health facilities with a continuos quality improvement (CQI) and those without such program; to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of the users of maternal health services; to determine the contribution of the CQI on the level of quality. METHODS: it was conducted a CQI program in 74 selected health facilities from Perú (1996-2000) for improved the quality of MPHS. A controlled, quasiexperimental study in facilities health (hospital, health centers and peripheral facilities) was conducted. The quality of care was measured by scores of the MPHS by comparing averages; the knowledge and attitudes of users by bivariate analysis, and the prediction of the quality level was studied through multivariate analysis. RESULTS: at the end of the intervention, CQI facilities score was 61,8 points and of 37,5 in the comparison group, (p <0,001). The average of obstetrical warms signs knowledge was greater in CQI facilities (3,6 signs/interviewed) versus 2,5 in comparison facilities users, (p <0,05). The intention of institutional childbirth was two times greater among users of CQI facilities, (p = 0,038). The main predictions factors of quality were the CQI intervention and the availability of health professionals. CONCLUSIONS: the level quality is greater in the participant health facilities (with CQI). The users of these facilities had more knowledge of warning signs and better attitude towards the institutional delivery. The CQI has contributed to those achievements.
Quality assurance; health care; Evaluation; Maternal health services; Maternal welfare
