Antenatal care in Erbil city-Iraq : assessment of information, education and communication strategy

Abstract EN

Background and objectives Information education and communication strategy is included in the antenatal care to inform and educate pregnant women on topics related to pregnancy and care of newborn.

The aim of this study was to assess women's awareness of danger signs of obstetric complications and their experiences at health care facilities.

Methods A sample of 1839 pregnant women attending primary health care centers from 1st of Jan through 30th of Apr 2009 was selected.

At each primary health care center between 39 and 221 women were interviewed.

Requested data included women's information on advice given on place of birth, family planning, benefit of birth in a health facility and other topics.

Information on women's awareness of danger signs and their experiences at primary health care centers was also collected.

Results Family planning and nutrition were the most commonly discussed topics, 44.6% and 46.7%, respectively.

Heavy bleeding, hypertension, anemia and bad obstetrical history were recognized by 67% 60%, 58% and 45% of clients as danger signs, respectively.

Only 11% recognized prolonged labour as danger signs, with variations in the experiences of women at the primary health care centers; 61% reported spending three minutes and less with the health care provider, 53% were told about progress of pregnancy, 55% had the chance to ask questions and 65% were asked to return for another visit.

Conclusion Health education provided at antenatal clinic level in Erbil city seems to be relatively poor.