An evaluation of two antenatal information booklets

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Literacy
• Maternal Education

Background:

• Antenatal education books are crucial resources for expectant mothers.
• Assessing the impact of book readability and format on information retention is important.
• Social class may influence how effectively mothers engage with educational materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the readability of two widely distributed antenatal education books.
• To determine if differences in readability and format affect maternal knowledge acquisition.
• To assess the benefit of receiving antenatal materials before clinic appointments.

Main Methods:

• Readability assessment of two antenatal education books.
• Analysis of knowledge scores among mothers across different social classes.
• Comparison of knowledge levels between mothers receiving books in advance versus at the clinic.

Main Results:

• A more readable and attractive book led to higher knowledge scores in social classes I and II, but not in lower social classes.
• Mothers receiving books in advance of their antenatal booking clinic appointment showed significantly higher knowledge levels.
• Early access to information facilitated better maternal preparation and understanding of fetal development.

Conclusions:

• Book readability and format can influence maternal knowledge, with socioeconomic factors playing a role.
• Proactive distribution of antenatal education materials before clinic visits is highly beneficial for maternal learning.
• The investment in sending educational booklets in advance is justifiable due to demonstrated benefits in maternal preparedness and knowledge.