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Promoting first trimester prenatal classes: a survey
P Stewart1, R Ramsingh, J Potter
1Ottawa-Carleton Health Department, ON.
Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne De Sante Publique
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Many pregnant women are interested in first trimester prenatal classes but face barriers like low awareness and poor physician referral. Promoting early attendance requires public campaigns and better physician education on class benefits.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Health Education
Background:
- Early prenatal education is crucial for maternal and infant health.
- Many women do not attend prenatal classes during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Barriers to early attendance need identification to improve participation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utilization and interest in first trimester prenatal classes.
- To identify barriers preventing early prenatal class attendance.
- To explore effective strategies for encouraging early enrollment in prenatal classes.
Main Methods:
- A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 436 women and their spouses attending prenatal classes.
- The study was conducted in the Ottawa-Carleton region in June 1990.
- Data collected focused on class attendance, interest, and perceived barriers.
Main Results:
- Only 23% of women attended first trimester prenatal classes, while 39% expressed interest.
- Key deterrents included low public awareness of class availability/usefulness and insufficient physician referrals.
- Most women (89.4%) consulted physicians early, and many (45.7%) learned about pregnancy through pharmacies.
Conclusions:
- Enhancing first trimester prenatal class attendance requires addressing public knowledge gaps and improving physician referral rates.
- Public awareness campaigns via pharmacies, workplaces, and community outreach are recommended.
- Educating physicians on the importance of early referral is essential for promoting timely prenatal education.