Effectiveness of Preventive Health Behaviors- Oriented Education Program on Pregnant Adolescents’ Knowledge in Al-Diwanyiah City: Follow-up Study

Abstract

Objective(s): The aim of the study is to determine the effectiveness of preventive health behaviors - oriented education program on pregnant adolescents’ knowledge about preventive health behaviors during pregnancy.

Methodology: A quasi-experimental, one group follow-up design, is carried out in order to achieve the objectives of the current study using the evaluation approach for the determination of pregnant adolescents’ knowledge about preventive health behaviors during pregnancy in Al-Diwaniyah City and the implementation of the education program  from the period 17^th  January  2020 to 1^st  June 2021 . Non- probability, purposive sample of (35) adolescent pregnant are selected from those who visit Al-Diwanyiah Maternity and Pediatric Teaching Hospital. Data are collected through the use of the study instruments (questionnaire) in a form of Google format and through video calls as means of data collection. Test-retest reliability of instrument was determined through the use of pearson correlation coefficient and content validity of the instrument determined through a panel of experts. Data were analyzed through the use of descriptive statistical data analysis approach and inferential statistical data analysis approach .

Results: Results indicate that most of the pregnant adolescents’ are (16-19) year old (57.1%), (34.3%) of them are primary school graduates, (71.4%) of them are housewives, living in rural area (77.1%) and earning an income of (300-600) thousands of ID (80%). Also, the pregnant adolescents’ knowledge about preventive health behaviors during pregnancy has been dramatically change post implementation of the education program.

Conclusions: The preventive health behaviors education Program has produced an excellent effect  post its implementation. So, the study has inveterate that the program is an effective mean for improving the pregnant adolescents’ knowledge about preventive health behaviors during pregnancy.

Recommendations: Improving pregnant adolescents' health literacy is the responsibility of healthcare systems and healthcare professionals through emphasis by the Ministry of Health role in obligate antenatal care units to take their  significance role and dissemination of education about the preventive health behaviors  among pregnant adolescents’ especially primigravida,  and particularly with each specific trimester.