Effect of programs for postnatal maternal and infant care education at Prasat Hospital, Surin Province

Abstract

           This study aimed to examine the effects of a self-care and infant care educational program for postpartum mothers at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Ward, Prasat Hospital, Surin Province, between January and February 2025. A purposive sample of 30 postpartum mothers was recruited. Research instruments consisted of (1) the educational program on self-care and infant care, with a content validity index (CVI) of .93, and (2) three sets of questionnaires: general information, knowledge assessment     (KR-20 = 0.82), and self-care practice assessment (Cronbach’s α = 0.86). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired samples t-test.

          The results revealed that before participating in the program, mothers had a moderate level of knowledge (M = 11.20, SD = 2.19), which increased to a high level after the intervention (M = 13.77,   SD = 1.76). For self-care and infant care practices, the mean score before the program was already at a high level (M = 82.60, SD = 5.99) and significantly increased after the program (M = 88.40, SD = 6.73). Both knowledge and practice scores improved significantly compared with pre-program scores                (p < .001).

           Policy recommendations suggest integrating the educational program into standard postpartum care in community hospitals, with the development of clear guidelines and postpartum parent classes linked to antenatal care services. In practice, nurses should employ diverse teaching strategies such as lectures, demonstrations, and digital media, provided at times when mothers are most ready to learn, and follow-up through home visits or online platforms to strengthen mothers’ confidence and reduce postpartum complications.