Effects of an educational program of pregnancy and delivery on pregnancy related knowledge, newborn care knowledge, and postpartum care self-efficacy of marriage immigrant women

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of an educational program on pregnancy and delivery including pregnancy related knowledge, newborn care knowledge, and postpartum care self-efficacy for married immigrant women. Methods: A nonequivalent control group quasi-experimental design was used. The educational program was developed by though an educational need assessment of married immigrant women and an expert opinion. The program was provided for 3 weeks, once a week for two hours. The data were analyzed with SPSS program using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, c²-test, Fisher's exact test, and t-test. Results: The program significantly improved pregnancy related knowledge, newborn care knowledge, and postpartum care self-efficacy for the married immigrant women who participated in the program compared to the women who did not. Conclusion: The results indicate that the educational program has an affirmative effect on pregnancy related knowledge, knowledge of newborn care, and postpartum care self-efficacy in these women. It is suggested, therefore, that the educational program be used to every married immigrant woman at the public health centers or delivery clinics help them to adjust to the childbearing and childrearing experience and this will ultimately enhance the quality of family life of married immigrant women in Korea.