ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF PHARMACIST INTERVENTION ON ENHANCING KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE IN POSTNATAL CARE- A COMMUNITY-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Postnatal care is critical for the well-being of both mothers and infants, yet it is often overlooked. This study aimed to assess and improve knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to postnatal care among the general public and pregnant women in the Kumarapalayam region.
Objective: The objectives of this study are to assess the knowledge of participants about postnatal care, identify the barriers associated with postnatal care service utilization, create awareness about postnatal care by providing PNC counseling, and evaluate the impact of counseling on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) through a post-counseling questionnaire.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted through a community-based cross-sectional design between March and September 2023. A total of 498 participants, including males, females, and pregnant women, were included in the study. Data was collected using a self-developed questionnaire, and open-ended questions were incorporated to capture individual perspectives. The study involved face-to-face interviews with the general public and pregnant women. Pharmacist interventions, including counselling and pamphlets, were provided to improve knowledge and attitudes. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, and ethical considerations were observed.
Results: The study revealed that while there was less awareness and knowledge about maternal danger signs and postnatal care, notable gaps existed, particularly among males and pregnant women. When comparing the pre-counselling and post-counselling mean scores in the general community, there is a knowledge mean difference of 6.95 and an attitude mean difference of 1.86. When comparing the pre and post-counselling mean scores in pregnant women, the knowledge mean difference is 7.35, attitude mean difference is 2.09, and practice mean difference is 1.35. The p-value of <0.05 indicates a statistically significant increase in knowledge, attitude, and improvement in practice from pre to post-intervention due to pharmacist intervention.
Conclusion: Targeted educational interventions are essential to improve awareness, especially among males and pregnant women. Understanding and respecting cultural beliefs are crucial when promoting maternal and infant health. Barriers to accessing postnatal care must be addressed, and education campaigns should fill gaps in knowledge related to maternal danger signs, postnatal care, and infant care practices. This study enhancing maternal and infant health in the Kumarapalayam region.