Can the Modern Methods of Education Be a Good Alternative for the Traditional Method in Educating Pregnant Mothers?

Background: Maternal mortality is still one of the most important health challenges and considered as a global indicator. One of the effective strategies to reduce this indicator is prenatal education regarding the danger signs during pregnancy and postpartum through the use of appropriate methods of education. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of education using multimedia software and face to face education on pregnant women’s level of awareness about the danger signs of pregnancy and postpartum period. Methods: The present study was a quasi-experimental research in which, 120 primigravida mothers who referred to the health centers in the city of Karaj were randomly divided into 2 groups. The first group received face to face education on the danger signs of pregnancy and postpartum period while the second group received their education through a compact disc (CD). Data were collected using a two-part questionnaire including; 15 demographic variables and 27 items about the danger signs of pregnancy and postpartum period. After ten weeks of intervention, the posttest was taken and finally the collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21. Results: Ten weeks after intervention, the mean awareness score of the two groups showed no significant difference, however, comparison of awareness score in each group before and after the intervention showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Both methods of education resulted in the same effectiveness in raising the awareness of pregnant women about the danger signs during pregnancy and postpartum period. However, by considering the time required for health care providers to conduct face to face education, it seems that multimedia software would be a good alternative.