Effectiveness of Self-instructional Module on Knowledge and Remedial Practices Regarding Selected Minor Ailments Among Primigravida

Abstract

Context: Most pregnant women com­plain some degree of minor ailments that are not serious in themselves, but their presence decreases the mother's feeling of comfort and wellbeing, particularly among the primigravida.

Aim: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of self-instructional module on knowledge and remedial practices regarding selected minor ailments among primigravida.

Methods: A quasi-experimental design (one group pre-test/post-test) was utilized to achieve the aim of this study. A purposive sample of 120 primigravida women. The study was carried out at the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic in Benha university hospital. Data were collected through four main tools: A self-administered questionnaire to assess women's characteristics and obstetrical history; maternal knowledge assessment questionnaire; maternal health practices assessment questionnaire, and women's satisfaction questionnaire.

Results: showed that the mean age of studied sample 23.02±7.57years. An improvement with highly statistically significant differences observed in women's knowledge and remedial practices regarding minor ailments at the post-intervention phase compared to the pre-intervention phase at (p<0.001). The majority of pregnant women were satisfied after the implementation of the self-instructional module. There was a non-significant positive correlation between total knowledge and total healthy practices regarding minor ailments at the pre-intervention phase (P>0.05). While there was a highly positive statistical correlation between total knowledge and total healthy practices regarding minor ailments at the post-intervention phase (P≤ 0.001).

Conclusion:  The research hypotheses were supported, and the self-instructional module had a positive effect on the improvement of pregnant women's knowledge and, in turn, remedial practices after its implementation. Also, there was a statistically significant reduction in the frequency of minor ailments at the post-intervention phase compared to the pre-intervention phase in favor of post-intervention. The antenatal self-instructional module regarding minor ailments should be restructured and reviewed to meet up with the health needs of pregnant women particularly primigravida.