Tfn - Maria Imelda Ocampo-javier

EFFECT OF H.E.L.P. FOR M.O.M.S.:

A Structured Health Education Program For Pregnant Clients

MARIA IMELDA T. OCAMPO-JAVIER, RN, MAN

University of Perpetual Help System

BACKGROUND Health education is a very important tool in health promotion In all countries, a public health revolution is being waged and is focused on emphasizing health promotion, protection and disease-prevention. Emphasis is given on helping people learn to adapt behavior which is essential to their well being. Maternal health and child care is one of the areas of health care where health education is of vital importance.

BACKGROUND In the Philippines, few studies are related to labor and almost none are related to post-partum.  Researches focused mostly on infertility studies and gender differences in reaction to illness and stress. Another study revealed that more than half of the hospitals do not have organized health teaching activities or information dissemination in their localities.

BACKGROUND  Because of these realities, a study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of Health Education and Learning Program on Maternity Status (H.E.L.P. for M.O.M.S.) in preparing pregnant mothers both physical and physiological for the coming of birth.

BACKGROUND The physiological preparation was evaluated by determining if the paraphernalia to be used by the mother and the baby is complete The psychological preparation was evaluated by assessing the knowledge and understanding of the mother on her condition, acceptance of new role and assumption of the responsibilities related to heal role.  SIGNIFICANCE TO NURSING PRACTICE : it helps the nurse to provide a concrete structured basis for instruction

BACKROUND As the client becomes more active in participating over her care and preparation for childbirth, focus on the aspects of health promotion and preventive care is emphasized The nurse is more able to deliver an effective health teaching by having sufficient materials and references in preparation for the said activity. Biggest beneficiaries of the study are mothers who will be more prepared for thee coming birth because of the H..E.L.P. for M.O.M.S.

FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION 1. The common areas where mothers showed significant physical preparedness is on the readiness in providing their and the newborn’s needs like the layette, sanitary pads, underwear, frontopened clothes, and toiletries like oothpaste, toothbrush, and soap. 2. Mothers exhibited psychological preparedness when they expressed willingness to prepare the things that the baby will need and to assume their new role as the mother. 3. A health education program that is structured and organized is beneficial in increasing the awareness and capacity of the mother to assume perceived roles for delivery. This study was able to negate results of researches in other Asian countries that there is correlation between socio-demographic variables like age, educational attainment and family income, and childbirth preparedness

4. A structured health education program with well prepared instructional design and references is effective in increasing the client’s capacity for self-efficacy. Therefore, H.E.L.P. for M.O.M.S. is effective in increasing the mother’s preparedness in giving birth, both in physiological and psychological aspects. 5. It is recommended that H.E.L.P. for M.O.M.S. be made a vital component of the health education program for pregnant women. Health teaching sessions is highly recommended to be conducted in a room where mothers could be made comfortable and at ease, with a minimal disturbance. 6. Participating mothers would be better prepared if they would be given instructional materials like brochures or lists to supplement the activity or to help them remember the important points in childbirth preparation.