Role of health personnel in maternal-fetal prenatal education

Abstract

Introduction: Timely, regular, and comprehensive prenatal care is crucial for maternal-fetal well-being and reducing morbidity and mortality, as defined by the World Health Organization. Primary health care serves as the cornerstone for holistic patient management, emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention, and early intervention for complications. This study investigates the role of healthcare personnel in maternal-fetal prenatal education within primary care settings and identifies influencing factors for non-attendance. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, analyzing studies published between 2019 and 2024 from databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The PICO framework guided the research question, focusing on pregnant women, educational interventions by healthcare personnel, and outcomes related to maternal-fetal health knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Results: The review revealed that a significant number of pregnant women do not adhere to prenatal control schedules due to various factors. Key findings highlight the necessity for healthcare professionals to possess comprehensive knowledge to effectively educate on the importance of prenatal care. Non-attendance is influenced by economic, sociodemographic, age, cultural, and educational factors, as well as a lack of knowledge regarding obstetric danger signs and the exclusion of fathers. Conclusion: Healthcare personnel are instrumental in prenatal education, particularly in primary care, for early pregnancy detection and health promotion/prevention. Addressing barriers such as socioeconomic disparities, cultural beliefs, and lack of knowledge is critical to improving attendance and ultimately reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. This highlights the need for culturally sensitive, multidisciplinary, and inclusive educational programs.