Effectiveness of a Structured Teaching Program on Knowledge and Home Remedial Practices Regarding Minor Ailments during Pregnancy among Antenatal Mothers

Abstract

Minor ailments during pregnancy, though not life-threatening, significantly affect maternal comfort and quality of life. A lack of awareness and reliance on unsafe practices further exacerbates the problem, especially in rural and semi-urban settings. Structured health education may enhance antenatal mother’s knowledge and promote safe home-based management strategies. To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured teaching program on knowledge and practices. A pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was adopted. 80 antenatal mothers attending SLBGMC&H, Nerchowk, were selected for data collection using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. A structured knowledge questionnaire and practice checklist were administered before and after a structured teaching program. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests and paired t-tests. Pre-test findings showed that 63.8% of participants had average knowledge, 23.8% had good knowledge, and 12.5% had poor knowledge. Regarding practices, 42.5% demonstrated poor practice, 25% average, and 32.5% good practice. Post-intervention, 92.5% of participants attained good knowledge, and 97.5% achieved good practice. The mean knowledge score increased from 16.71 to 25.39 (p < 0.001), and practice scores rose from 14.21 to 24.84 (p < 0.001), indicating statistically significant improvement. Educational qualification and previous knowledge were significantly associated with post-test knowledge (p < 0.05), while no sociodemographic variable showed a significant association with post-test practice levels. The structured teaching program significantly enhanced both knowledge and home remedial practices regarding minor ailments during pregnancy. The findings affirm the effectiveness of educational interventions in empowering antenatal mothers with practical, safe self-care strategies. Incorporating structured health education into routine antenatal care is recommended to improve maternal outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings.