Effectiveness of a Nurse-Led Antenatal Education Programme on Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness

Abstract

Introduction : One important tactic to lower maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality is birth preparedness and complication readiness, or BPCR.  In order to improve mother knowledge, encourage self-efficacy, and get women ready for a safe delivery, nurse-led prenatal education programs have proven to be successful interventions. Methodology : A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted. Sixty antenatal women between 20-28 weeks of gestation were selected using purposive sampling. A structured BPCR assessment tool was administered before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results : The mean pre-test BPCR score was 12.4 ± 3.2, which increased to 21.7 ± 4.1 in the post-test. A paired ttest showed a statistically significant improvement (t = 12.45, p < 0.001). Sub-domains such as knowledge of danger signs, financial planning, transportation arrangements, and identification of skilled birth attendants showed significant gains. Conclusions : Pregnant women's readiness for complications and for giving birth was much enhanced by the nurse-led prenatal education program.  Regular prenatal care should incorporate these strategies.