Evaluation of a pregnancy outcome risk reduction program in a local health department

This study assesses the effectiveness of the Waukesha County Public Health Department's Prenatal Care Coordination Program (PNCC) in reducing self-reported risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant clients, through assessment, preventive counseling and follow-up. There were 166 clients seen in the program. They were seen at up to three follow-up visits, with 83 seen at the 12-week follow-up visit, 106 seen at the 24-week follow-up visit, 74 seen at the 38-week follow-up visit, and 151 seen for at least one follow-up visit. Statistically significant improvement was seen between the first and last follow-up visit for each of the five categories of risk factors that were assessed. Mean alcohol intake decreased from 9.6 drinks per month at baseline to none by the 38-week follow-up visit. Mean cigarette smoking decreased from 12.8 cigarettes per day to 2.4. Street drug use decreased almost completely. There were statistically significant increases in milk, meat, fruit, bread, and vegetable consumption, and folic acid and multi-vitamin supplementation.