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NIGER DELTA JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & MEDICAL RESEARCH

A Publication Of Nigeria Medical Association Bayelsa State Branch

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Archive | ISSUE: 156, Volume: Jul-Sep-2026

IMPACT OF HEALTH EDUCATION ON PREGNANT WOMEN: A KNOWLEDGE BASED ASSESSMENT


Author:Adeosun BA, Umoren OD, Olukotun STA, Ozoekwe UU, Okonkwo CJ

published date:2026-Jul-07

FULL TEXT in - | page 85–92

Abstract

Background: A crucial component of effective antenatal care is health education, which aims to inform pregnant women about pregnancy, childbirth, neonatal care, nutrition, hygiene, and recognizing warning signs.

Objectives: This study examined the socio-demographic information, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant women regarding antenatal health education.

Materials and methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of ninety-nine (99) well-structured questionnaires were administered to respondents (pregnant women) attending clinic at Oba Ademola hospital, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to select participants. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences version 21.0 and results were presented in tables.

Results: Regarding antenatal health education, almost all respondents (98%) had attended sessions, with a marked improvement in knowledge of pregnancy danger signs from 36.4% (basic understanding before education) to 46% (excellent knowledge after education). Attitudes were highly positive, as 53.5% strongly agreed that antenatal education helps decision making, 99% felt motivated to attend ANC, and 94.9% supported allocating more time to health talks. Behavioral outcomes were also significant: 98% reported lifestyle changes, 100% recognized warning signs, and 99% sought care after noticing a danger sign.

Conclusion: Antenatal health education was shown to be highly effective in improving maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices, thus contributing to safer pregnancy outcomes.

Keywords: Antenatal care, Health education, Pregnancy, danger signs, Maternal health

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FULL TEXT in - | page 85–92

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