A Comparative Study of the Effectiveness of Multimedia Software and Face-to-Face Education methods on Pregnant Women's Knowledge about Danger Signs in Pregnancy and Postpartum

Raising awareness of pregnant women on danger signs of pregnancy and the postpartum period is essential for decreasing maternal mortality. Selecting proper training methods can help this process. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of education with multimedia software and face-to-face education on pregnant women’s knowledge about danger signs. This experimental study was performed on 120 primigravida women who came to health centers in Karaj city. They were selected via convenience sampling, and then randomly allocated to two groups. The first group received face-to-face education and the second group was educated through a multimedia CD. Their knowledge was assessed 10 weeks after the education. Eventually, statistical data were analyzed and compared. There was no statistically significant difference, in terms of the mean score of knowledge between the two groups 10 weeks after the training. However, mean score of knowledge increased significantly in each group after the intervention (P<0.001). This study showed that both multimedia software and face-to-face educational strategies had positive effects on improving knowledge of pregnant women, so it appears education with multimedia software could be recommended instead of face-to-face education.