Effect of education on midwive's knowledge, attitude and practice about non-pharmacologic labor pain relieving methods

Management of labor pain is one of the main goals of maternity care. Non-pharmacologic approaches toward this goal are consistent with midwifery care and the method of choice for many women. Midwives have a pivotal role in using different pain relief approaches. This study was designed to evaluate the role of education on midwive's knowledge, attitude, and practice towards pain reducing approaches during labor. This was a quasi-experimental study carried out at labor wards within the hospitals affiliated to Gilan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Data were collected using a questionnaire confirmed by a panel of experts and test-retest method for its validity and reliability, respectively. A total of 59 midwives were chosen by quota sampling and participated in a one-day workshop. Pretest and post-test questionnaire were completed before and four months after education. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inference statistical methods using SPSS. Results showed that the midwive's knowledge, attitude and practice about pain relieving methods changed significantly following workshop (p<0/005). No significant difference between the mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores and demographic characteristics was found. Although education caused a significant effect on knowledge, attitude, and practice of midwives in using different labor pain relieving approaches as well as a positive attitude towards these approaches nevertheless the health manager's support plays an important role in regular practice of such approaches in labor wards.