Journal article
The Role of Antenatal Education in Promoting Maternal and Family Health Literacy
International Journal of Childbirth, Vol.10(1), pp.52-64
2020
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Antenatal education (ANE) supports expectant parents in developing their knowledge, skills, and confidence in preparing for childbirth and early parenting. This is called health literacy, and it is part of the global healthcare system agenda that empowers women to participate fully in making decisions about their health and care before, during, and after birth. The aim of this study was to examine the perspectives of educators and ANE class participants on the extent to which existing courses are meeting this goal.
METHODS
A qualitative study, conceptualized within the health literacy framework, was conducted in Australia with 10 antenatal educators and 8 participants from antenatal classes. Data were collected through individual interviews and were analyzed using interpretive description.
RESULTS
The findings revealed five themes relating to the participants' experiences in either providing or attending antenatal classes. These included: "balancing provider influences with participant expectations," "accommodating participant learning styles and preferences," "influence of the environment on pedagogy and practice," "empowering participants for decision-making," and "reflections on what is and is not meaningful and effective."
CONCLUSIONS
Findings from this study strongly suggest that to meet the needs of class participants, educators need to be mindful of their expectations. They should adopt a flexible approach to accommodate participants' knowledge, goals, and preferences as well as characteristics of the context. Conceptualizing ANE within the framework of health literacy provides a clear, targeted approach to meeting the information needs of this important population that is focused on evidence-based safe practice across the birthing continuum and beyond.
Details
- Title
- The Role of Antenatal Education in Promoting Maternal and Family Health Literacy
- Authors
- Terri Downer (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - LegacyAnne McMurray (Author) - Griffith UniversityJeanine Young (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Publication details
- International Journal of Childbirth, Vol.10(1), pp.52-64
- Publisher
- Springer Publishing Company
- Date published
- 2020
- DOI
- 10.1891/IJCBIRTH-D-20-00012
- ISSN
- 2156-5295
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Midwifery; School of Health - Nursing; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99482707402621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Nursing
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Source: InCites