Effects of maternal education intervention based on the self-efficacy theory and health literacy on birth weight

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Nooshin Peyman and Sara Kharazi

Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran

: Androl Gynecol: Curr Res

Abstract

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Maternal health literacy during pregnancy is essential in maintaining health of themselves and their children. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a maternal education intervention based on the self-efficacy theory and health literacy on birth weight. This clinical trial study was performed on 76 pregnant mothers, referred to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences health centers, Mashhad, Iran for routine prenatal checkups in 2016. The participants were assigned to two groups based on multistage cluster sampling method. Study questionnaires included demographic, maternal health literacy, pregnancy outcome and perceived dietary self-efficacy questionnaires, educational intervention including oral presentation, group discussion and multimedia tutorials. The questionnaires were completed at baseline, after intervention and at three months of follow up. The mean age of mothers was 24.92±4.84 years (23.92±4.59 and 25.92±4.94 years in intervention and control groups, respectively). There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of age, maternal health literacy and self-efficacy at baseline. Intervention resulted in significant improvement in health literacy (p<0.001) and nutrition self-efficacy (p<0.001) in the intervention group compared to control group. The mean birth weight of children was significantly higher in the intervention group 3324.14±416.12 g compared to the control group 3007.73±468.63 g (p=0.003). The present findings indicate the effectiveness of the designed educational intervention based on self-efficacy theory in improving maternal health literacy and promoting normal birth weight in newborns.

Biography

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Nooshin Peyman is currently working as a Professor in the Department of Health Education and Health Promotion at the Mashhad University of Medical Science. Her research is focused broadly on designing health literacy level-appropriate education based on our findings for both patients and their family caregiver. She works with the interdisciplinary team to enhance health literacy responsiveness across the health and community services system in Iran by building workforce capability and embedding health literacy practices within organizations.

E-mail: peymann@mums.ac.ir