INFLUENCE OF HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMME ON ANTENATAL CARE AWARENESS AMONG EXPECTANT MOTHERS IN AKU, ENUGU STATE

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of community-based health education programme on knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding antenatal care among expectant mothers in Aku, Enugu State. The study employed a quasi-experimental research design featuring a pretest-posttest approach with a 6-month follow-up. The population for the study was all expectant mothers residing in the community, and voluntary sampling was adopted for selecting a sample of 48 participants. The sample was randomized into an experimental group and a control group to assess the impact of the educational intervention effectively. Data was collected at three time points: pretest, posttest, and follow-up, allowing for comprehensive evaluation of changes over time. Data were analyzed using Repeated Measures ANOVA, with effect sizes calculated using partial eta squared to determine the magnitude of observed changes. Results show that community-based health education significantly improved expectant mothers’ knowledge and attitudes toward antenatal care, as well as their antenatal care practices over time. It was concluded that such interventions are effective in enhancing maternal health awareness and engagement. Among other things, the study recommended that local health authorities expand community health education programmes to promote better antenatal care practices and improve maternal health outcomes in the region.