Nutritional Education Regarding Ante Natal Care: Improving Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Health Cadres

Background: Health cadres have a significant role in helping improve the health of pregnant women. Therefore, providing education supported by comprehensive tools to increase cadres’ competence and knowledge of ante natal care (ANC) for pregnant women is a strategic action. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of conducting nutrition education using “Bumil-Kit” media as a comprehensive tools on knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of the cadres in performing ANC.

Method: The quasi-experimental research with one group pre and posttest design was used to analyze 40 cadres as subject working in the area of Lebdosari Community Health Center. Cadres were trained by the nutrition workers the procedures for using “Bumil-Kit/Pregnant Mother-kit” consisting of weight scales, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) ribbon, microtoise, ANC books, chart of pregnancy growth, and booklets as well as conducting ANC. Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were measured before and after a given intervention using a structured questionnaire and data gathered were analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test.

Result: The results showed that most cadres (45%) had 6-20 years of working experience. There was an effect of nutritional education on knowledge (p = 0.001), attitudes (p = 0.001), and behavior (p = 0.038) regarding ANC. The increased score of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors before and after intervention was 7.15%, 6.53%, and 6.43%.

Conclusion: Providing nutrition education using “Bumil-Kit”media as a comprehensive tool increases knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of health cadres regarding ANC.