Regresar

Increasing awareness of danger signs in pregnancy through community-and clinic-based education in Guatemala

Abstract:

Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness of a set of information, education, and communication (IEC) strategies designed to increase the awareness of danger signs in pregnancy, delivery, or the postpartum period among pregnant or recently pregnant women. Methods: Three IEC programs were implemented in 4 regions of southwestern Guatemala between April 1997 and May 1998: (1) a clinic-based program involving the training of health providers in prenatal counseling and the provision of educational media to clients; (2) a community-based strategy consisting of radio messages regarding obstetric complications; and (3) educational sessions conducted through women's groups. Three surveys were conducted. In 1997, 637 pregnant women were interviewed at clinics where the interventions had been implemented. In 1998, 163 pregnant women using a subset of the same health clinics were …