Analysis on the Effects of Community Based Health Education Program for Pregnant Women

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to determine the effects of community based health education program for pregnant women on their confidence in labor and breastfeeding. Data were obtained using several questionnaires and administered to 174 pregnant women who have participated (n=49) and have not participated(n=125) in health education program, and 244 mothers of infants who lived in one city in Kyunggi province.

Summaries of finding were as follows; First, pregnant women who have participated in health education program showed significantly higher score in labor than those who have not. Also, confidence in labor was different according to the level of education. Second, pregnant women participated in health education program showed higher score in knowledge and attitude on breastfeeding, but the differences were not significant. Knowledge on breastfeeding was higher in multipara. More positive attitude on breastfeeding was found in working mothers and highly educated mothers. Third, 54.1％ of mothers continued breastfeeding over six months. Main reasons for discontinuing breastfeeding were lack of breast milk amount, and health problems in infants and mothers.

In this study, we could identify the positive effects of health education program for pregnant women provided by public health center, and find the related factors of confidence in labor and breastfeeding. Community based health education program for pregnant women, especially for vulnerable group should be expanded.