Improving Understanding of Macrosomia with a Graphics-Based Educational Tool: A Randomized Controlled Trial (MATE).

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Medical Education
• Public Health

Background:

• Macrosomia, a condition of excessive fetal growth, poses significant risks to both mother and infant.
• Knowledge gaps regarding macrosomia's risk factors, complications, and management options are prevalent among pregnant individuals.
• Effective patient education tools are crucial for improving understanding and potentially mitigating adverse outcomes associated with macrosomia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a graphics-based education tool (GBET) in enhancing knowledge about macrosomia among pregnant individuals.
• To compare the knowledge gains between participants receiving the GBET and those receiving routine care.
• To assess knowledge specifically related to risk factors/complications (RF/C) and management options (MO) for macrosomia.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial (NCT06281301) was conducted with pregnant individuals meeting specific gestational age and health criteria.
• Participants were randomized to receive either the GBET or routine care.
• Knowledge was assessed using a 17-question questionnaire focusing on RF/C (11 questions) and MO (6 questions) for macrosomia.

Main Results:

• The GBET group demonstrated significantly higher overall knowledge scores compared to the routine care group (70% vs. 64%, p < 0.001).
• Knowledge scores for risk factors and complications (RF/C) were significantly improved in the GBET group (72% vs. 63%, p = 0.001).
• No significant difference was observed in knowledge scores for management options (MO) between the two groups (65% vs. 68%, p = 0.084).

Conclusions:

• The graphics-based education tool effectively improved pregnant individuals' knowledge of macrosomia's risk factors and complications.
• The GBET did not significantly enhance understanding of macrosomia management options in this study population.
• Further research is warranted to explore if enhanced knowledge translates into improved clinical outcomes for macrosomia.