Toward safe motherhood in rural community: the effects of health education on mothers practices during puerperium

ABSTRACT

Health education and increased knowledge of mothers in relation to their health is one of the major concerns of the public health sector throughout the world, and it is a strategy for improving maternal and child health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of health education on the mothers' practices during puerperium. The study sample consisted of 258 mothers residenting in El Khossous village, Qualiobeya Governorate. Three tools were used for data collection. The first tool was an interviewing questionnaire for collecting data related to socio-demographic characteristics, parity and mothers knowledge; second tool was an observation check-list for assessing mothers practices, house sanitation, and signs of illness; the third tool was physical examination for assessing infant growth and development. The results demonstrated significant effects of health education on mothers' knowledge and practices and a reduction in mothers and infants health problems. The study recommended that health education about puerperium care must be given to all pregnant women attending the Maternal and Child Health Center