Impact of Health Educational Program for Pregnant Women on their Selected Postpartum and Newborn Care

Abstract

Background: Mother and newborns are incredibly susceptible during the post-natal period, which is also characterized by high rates of sickness and mortality. Knowledge of post-natal care plays a crucial role in preventing these problems.Aim of the study: to evaluate the impact of health educational program for pregnant women on their selected post-partum and newborn care. Research design: quasi-experimental research design (one group pre-test, post-test) was used to fulfill the aim of this study. Sample: A purposive sample composed of 70 pregnant women was used in this research. Tool of data collection: three tools were used: Tool (I): an interviewing questionnaire. Tool (II): pregnant women's knowledge about post-partum and newborn care, Tool (III) observational checklist regarding post-partum and newborn care. Results: The findings of this study revealed that (75.70%) of the studied sample had poor knowledge level before the implementation of the educational program, while (90.00 %) of the study sample had good knowledge immediately after the implementation of the educational program and slightly decreased to (85.70%) in the first day post-partum with highly statistically significant differences which P-value ≤ 0.0001**, in addition, the results illustrated a significant improvement in total practice regarding post-partum and newborn care among pregnant women in post-test as compared to pre-test (P-value ≤ 0.0001). Conclusion: This study concluded that implementing the health education program effectively improved pregnant women's overall knowledge and practice towards post-partum and newborn care. Recommendation: Regular training programs to educate pregnant women, especially primigravida, to improve their knowledge and practice about post-partum and newborn care, which can reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality.