Effectiveness of Self-Instructional Module on Pregnant Women’s Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Pregnancy Associated Stroke Risk

Abstract

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death globally. Pregnancy and the puerperium increase the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, with rates three times higher than in non-pregnant women. Knowledge and awareness of pregnancy-associated stroke risk factors and warning signs are important for stroke prevention and seeking early care. Prenatal education is an important component of supporting and maintaining a healthy pregnancy, Objectives: This study was to assess the effectiveness of a self-instructional module on pregnant women's knowledge and awareness regarding risk factors and warning signs of pregnancy-associated stroke. Methods: A quasi-experimental design (one group pre-posttest design) was used. A purposive sample of (100) strokerisk pregnant women. Tool: Three instruments were used to collect the current study data, A self-administered questionnaire, The stroke knowledge questionnaire (SKQ), and the stroke awareness questionnaire (SAQ). Main Results: The current study findings revealed statistically significant differences showing that more than two-thirds (70%) of the participants had a poor level of knowledge before the intervention compared to about four-fifths (79%) of them had good knowledge after the intervention (p < 0.001) and before /after knowledge mean scores knowledge scores were (5.70 2.35) and (25.56 4.11), respectively. In addition, three-quarters of the participants (75%) had a poor level of awareness before the intervention compared to the vast majority of them (82%) had a good level after the intervention (P < 0.001). Conclusions and Recommendations: Self-instructional module succeeded in inducing statistically significant improvements in pregnant women's knowledge and awareness about pregnancy-associated stroke. Regular continuing education programs should be conducted in antenatal care units regarding pregnancy-related stroke risk factors, warning signs, and how to maintain healthy lifestyles during pregnancy.