Factors Influencing Maternal Health Literacy in Pregnant Women
Keywords:
maternal health literacy, pregnancy period, maternal healthAbstract
Abstract:
Objective: To study how age, educational level, family income, order of pregnancy, social support, number of antenatal visits, and the number of group-based antenatal education sessions could influence maternal health literacy.
Design: Cross-sectional predictive research.
Methodology: The participants consisted of 211 pregnant women at Siriraj Hospital’s Maternity Clinic, who had a gestational age of 37 weeks or more. Data were collected using a personal record form, a social support questionnaire, and the Maternal Health Literacy Scale. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis.
Results: Age, educational level, family income, order of pregnancy, social support, the number of antenatal visits, and the number of group-based antenatal education sessions were capable of jointly explaining 35.40% of variation in the participants’ maternal health literacy (R2 = .354, F = 15.920, p < .0001). The factors with statistically signifcant influence on maternal health literacy were social support (β = .534, p < .0001), family income (β = .172, p = .005), order of pregnancy (β = .151, p = .016), and the number of group-based antenatal education sessions (β = .131, p = .024).
Recommendations: Nurses should provide healthcare information that responds to the health status and needs of pregnant women, especially primigravidae and those with low income. At least two group-based antenatal education sessions are recommended. Moreover, healthcare information should also be provided for husbands and family members to promote maternal health literacy in pregnant women.
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