Impact of Training Programme on Knowledge and Perception of Primary Health Care (PHC) Workers on Nutrition Component of Safe Motherhood Initiative in South-West Nigeria

Abstract

One of the core components of Safe Motherhood Initiatives (SMI) is nutrition, yet only few studies have considered this adequately. The goal of this intervention study was to evaluate the effect of training programme on knowledge and perception of PHC health workers on nutrition components of SMIs. The study was quasi-experimental involving two groups of 30 PHC health workers each purposively selected from Egbeda Local Government Area (LGA) (experimental group-EG) and Ido LGA (control group-CG). The two groups completed validated questionnaire at baseline. Knowledge and perception of nutrition components of SMIs were assessed using 42-point and 28-point scales respectively. Knowledge and perception gaps identified during the baseline survey were used to design module for training programme for the EG. Post-intervention assessment was conducted immediately and one month after the training among the two groups. These showed that knowledge scores at baseline, immediate post-intervention and one month post-intervention were 12.6±2.9, 36.9±3.6 and 39.9±1.7 respectively (p<0.05) and 12.2±2.8, 13.7±2.8 and 13.6±2.5 respectively in the CG (p>0.05). Difference in knowledge scores between the EG and CG groups at the different stages of assessment was significant (p<0.05), except at baseline. Perception scores at baseline, intervention and one month post-intervention for EG were 20.2±4.8, 21.1±2.3 and 23.0±3.4 respectively compared with 19.2±3.8, 20.3±3.6 and 22.4±4.3 in CG respectively (p>0.05). Training improved knowledge of health workers' but had insignificant effect on perception of nutrition components of SMIs. The PHC health workers have right perception of nutrition components of SMIs but lack adequate knowledge. There is need for continuous training of health workers' on nutrition components of SMI to enhance maternal and child care, especially at the PHC level.