Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Abstract BACKGROUND: Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the release of the COVID (Corona Virus
Disease)‑19 vaccine was highly anticipated. Nevertheless, vaccine availability does not symbolize the
end of pandemic due to ongoing vaccine hesitancy and anti‑vaccination movements. The objective
of this study is to evaluate COVID‑19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant and lactating individuals
in Maharashtra state, India.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted via a hybrid
approach using various digital portals such as Whatsapp, telegram, and physical distribution to those
who did not have access to smartphone devices. A probability proportional sampling strategy was
deployed. A pre‑validated structured self‑administered questionnaire tool designed by Freeman et al.
2020 (Oxford COVID‑19 vaccine hesitancy scale) was used, which consisted of seven close‑ended
targeted and focused questions. Analysis of several survey items and vaccine acceptance was
conducted using the Chi‑square test.
RESULTS: Analysis revealed that 58% of individuals were willing to take vaccines after government
approval and 26% of individuals showed hesitancy toward vaccination. When compared, lactating
individuals showed less vaccine hesitancy (22%) than pregnant individuals (27%). The maximum
vaccine hesitancy was observed in the third trimester of pregnancy (29.5%).
CONCLUSIONS: Trust in vaccines is a crucial factor and is dependent on the ability of the government
in promoting vaccines through effective communication; this can be one of the reasons for the high
level of acceptance and awareness toward COVID‑19 vaccination in this study.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Physical changes in high‑risk pregnancy (HRP) can lead to changes in mood and
social relationships and negative effects on women’s well‑being. Individuals in different sociocultural
contexts have different perceptions of well‑being. Yet, there is limited information about perceptions of
well‑being in HRP. This study aimed to explore the Iranian women’s experiences of well‑being in HRP.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted in 2019–2020 through directed
content analysis based on the conceptual framework of well‑being in HRP. Participants were 26
women with HRP purposively recruited from public and private healthcare settings in Mashhad, Iran.
Face‑to‑face semistructured interviews were held for data collection until data saturation. Data were
analyzed through directed content analysis proposed by Elo and kyngäs (2008) and were managed
using the MAXQDA (v. 10) program.
RESULTS: Well‑being in HRP had seven attributes in the five main dimensions of physical,
mental‑emotional, social, marital, and spiritual well‑being. The seven attributes of well‑being in HRP
were controlled physical conditions, controlled mood, emotions, and affections, perceived threat,
self‑efficacy, and competence for multiple role performance, maintained social relationships, meaning
seeking and relationship with the Creator, and positive marital relationships.
CONCLUSION: The present study provide an in‑depth understanding about well‑being in the Iranian
women with HRP. It is a complex and multidimensional concept with physical, mental‑emotional,
social, marital, and spiritual dimensions. Comprehensive multicomponent interventions are needed to
promote well‑being among women with HRP and designed the guidelines to provide woman‑centered
care.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Mothers need the necessary skills to be empowered in successful breastfeeding.
This study aimed to investigate effectiveness of the distance education program on the mothers’
empowerment in exclusive breastfeeding.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized clinical trial study was done on 72 nulliparous pregnant
women 28–32 weeks with normal pregnancy. The qualified women were randomly assigned to the
intervention and control groups based on the random‑number table. The breastfeeding training
packages were sent to women in the intervention group via Telegram every week from 32 until
37 weeks of gestation. The mothers’ empowerment in breastfeeding (primary outcome) and the
exclusive breastfeeding rate (secondary outcome) were assessed by questionnaires.
RESULTS: Based on the repeated measured tests, although scores for all domains and also the
total score of the mothers’ empowerment in breastfeeding between two groups had increased
during the study period, there was a significant difference between the increasing trends of the
maternal empowerment domains in two groups (interaction P value ‹0.001). Also, the prevalence of
exclusive breastfeeding (secondary outcome) at 6 months was significantly higher in the intervention
group (81.8% and 57.1% in the intervention and control groups, respectively) (P = 0.028).
CONCLUSION: Distance education could increase all domains of the mothers’ empowerment in
breastfeeding after delivery. Also, exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months after delivery was significantly
higher in mothers who were receiving the distance education packages.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Vaginal childbirth is the most stressful physical and mental event for most women, 
which necessitates the use of coping styles. Furthermore, childbirth self‑efficacy will be one of the 
effective factors to cope with this stressful situation and doing compatible behaviors with childbirth 
pain. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between childbirth self‑efficacy 
and coping styles of problem based and emotive based in nulliparous pregnant women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a descriptive‑correlational study that is done over 323 
nulliparous pregnant women attending the health centers in the city of Zahedan in 2020–2021. Data 
were collected by participants’ demographic questionnaire, childbirth self‑efficacy questionnaire 
of Lowe, and coping styles questionnaire of Folkman and Lazarus. The data were analyzed using 
Spearman’s correlation coefficient test, linear regressions model, and multiple regression in SPSS 
software version 22. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: Results of Spearman’s correlation coefficient test showed a significant direct correlation 
between problem‑based coping style and childbirth self‑efficacy (P = 0/017, r = 0.13); but, there was 
no significant direct correlation with emotive‑based coping style (P = 0/782, r = 0.01). According 
to the linear regressions model, just the problem‑based coping style is predicted childbirth 
self‑efficacy (P = 0/006).
CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings, nulliparous pregnant women should be responsible, 
have a positive reassessment of vaginal childbirth, plan to solve their problems, and look for social 
support (all of these are part of a problem‑based coping style) to increase and improve their childbirth 
self‑efficacy. Furthermore, designing appropriate educational interventions based on problem‑based 
coping style is necessary.

Abstract BACKGROUND: This cross‑sectional study aimed to evaluate attitudes and knowledge regarding 
oral health and infant oral health among pregnant women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 325 pregnant women in the Republic of Croatia 
who completed an anonymous online questionnaire (Google forms) from January to June 2019. The 
questionnaire was divided into three parts. The first part contained questions about the demographic 
data experience about oral health in pregnancy. The second part was related to the knowledge of 
the relationship between oral health and pregnancy. The third section consisted of questions related 
to knowledge about the oral health of children at the earliest age. The results were analyzed with 
descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analysis, and Chi‑square test.
RESULTS: The women are mostly informed about oral health in pregnancy from their dentists (53.54%) 
and least from their general doctors (4%). In pregnancy, gingival bleeding was observed by 52.31% 
of respondents and tooth mobility by 12.31%. The Chi‑square test found that there was a difference 
in attitude regarding the age at which they should stop breastfeeding between respondents who had 
their first pregnancy and those who already had children. Only 9.23% of respondents are aware that 
breastfeeding can cause tooth decay.
CONCLUSION: Pregnant women in the Republic of Croatia do not have sufficient knowledge, and 
they are neither aware of the importance of oral health during pregnancy nor infant oral health.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Pregnancy may change sex life, this period may be associated with decreased sex, 
and this is due to fear of miscarriage, nausea and vomiting, fear of harm to the fetus, fatigue, and 
fear of ruptured membranes. Midwives could help them to improve their sexual life during this period. 
One of the important approaches to improving sexual life during pregnancy is cognitive‑behavioral 
therapy (CBT). This nonmedical approach could improve misconceptions about sex during pregnancy. 
The aim of this study was the effect of sexual health counseling based on CBT on sexual satisfaction 
and inefficient sexual beliefs of primigravida women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial study, the research population 
being 52 pregnant women who were randomly divided into groups, the experimental (26) and the 
control (26). Before the sexual health counseling based on CBT, the Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire 
and the Inefficient Sexual Beliefs Questionnaire were filled by both the groups. These standard 
questionnaires were completed three times (before, immediately, and 4 weeks after intervention). 
After pretest, eight sexual health counseling sessions (90 min) were performed for the experimental 
group. The control group received routine care. Data analysis was performed by using descriptive 
statistics tests, ANOVA, and post hoc tests by Bonferroni method in SPSS version 22. P < 0.05 was 
considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: The mean score of inefficient sexual beliefs in the interventional group before intervention, 
immediately after the intervention, and 1 month later was obtained 22.85 ± 9.57, 12.92 ± 7.25, 
and 7.86 ± 13.88, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean score of sexual satisfaction before the 
study, immediately after the intervention, and 1 month later was 88.77 ± 11.89, 95.62 ± 9.27, and 
94.65 ± 8.28, respectively, in the experimental group (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Sexual health counseling based on CBT could reduce inefficient sexual beliefs and 
increase the sexual satisfaction of the primigravida women during pregnancy, but most participants 
preferred fewer sessions.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Pregnancy causes a set of complex physiological and psychological changes that 
affect marital relationships. Mindfulness is a form of meditation that can promote person’s performance 
and perception of sexual relationships. The present study aimed to determine the effect of mindfulness 
on sexual desire and sexual satisfaction in primigravida pregnant women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a quasi‑experimental that has investigated 
on 72 primigravida pregnant women. The samples were selected randomly and assigned to 
experimental and control groups. The experimental group received six 90‑min sessions of mindfulness 
intervention, and the control group received the educational pamphlet. The female sexual function 
index (FSFI) was filled by the subjects of the two groups in three stages of before the intervention, a
week, and a month after the intervention. Data analysis was done by SPSS20 (Statistics 20 software;
SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) at the significance level of 0.05.
RESULTS: According to the statistical tests, there was no significant difference between the two
groups in terms of demographic characteristics and pregnancy information. The findings suggest
no significant difference between the mean pretest and posttest score of sexual desire in the two
groups (P > 0.05). However, the two groups were significantly different in terms of the mean score
of sexual satisfaction before and after the intervention (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION: By increasing the concentration on the present moment and avoiding judgment,
mindfulness can increase sexual satisfaction. However, sexual desire can be affected by various
factors such as the cultural context, the quality of marital relationships, and the pregnancy hormonal 
changes that can influence the sexual response.

Abstract BACKGROUND: It is evident that the novel coronavirus disease pandemic inevitably resulted in
increased stress and anxiety in the general population. Pregnancy is a challenging period, and
COVID‑19 has added risk to women pregnant during the pandemic.
AIM: The present study was aimed to assess the emotional difficulties in pregnant females who
tested positive for COVID‑19. The current study estimated the prevalence of depression, anxiety,
and stress among 63 pregnant ladies who tested positive for COVID‑19.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in Child and Maternity Hospital of GMC
Anantnag, Kashmir, India, from April to December 2020. A total of 63 pregnant females who tested
positive for COVID‑19 participated in the study. The COVID‑positive pregnant ladies were interviewed
in the outpatient department of the child and maternity clinic 2 weeks after the infection. The interview
scale used was Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale‑21. The data were analyzed using Chi‑square
test and Fisher’s exact test.
RESULTS: We found that the mean age of participants was 33.5 ± 7.4. We found that 38.1% of the
females had positive bad obstetric history. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was
33.32%, 50.83%, and 60.3%, respectively. In correlation analysis, notably bad obstetric history and
working females were significant independent factors for higher levels of depression, anxiety, and
stress. The depression was also found more in literate females and the third trimester.
CONCLUSION: The study indicates high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in pregnant females
who tested positive for COVID‑19. The emotional difficulties were found to be higher in educated and
working females. The bad obstetric history was found to be an independent factor for higher levels of
emotional difficulties in COVID‑positive pregnant females. This calls for extra measures to promote
the mental health and resilience of pregnant females, especially during a crisis.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Prenatal education provides opportunities for health promotion of healthy behaviors
and risk reduction. Quality and coherence with prenatal health promotion best practices depend on
an individual class instructor. The objective of our study was to document the experiences, practices,
and perceptions of our diverse Ottawa, Canada community of prenatal educators.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this quantitative, mixed methods e‑survey conducted in Ottawa,
Canada, prenatal educators were asked to describe their prenatal class settings, delivery formats,
content, perceptions of pregnant women, and recommendations. Data were analyzed by descriptive
statistics and thematic content analysis.
RESULTS: Respondents included public health nurses and a diverse group of “allied childbirth
educators” (ACE). Topics related to pregnancy, labor, and postpartum issues were well addressed;
however, established and emerging risks to pregnancy were omitted. Nurses were more likely to
discuss lifestyle risks to pregnancy and general prenatal health promotion, whereas ACE respondents
emphasized informed consent and individualized counseling. Women marginalized by social exclusion
including Indigenous women, immigrants, and women with disabilities were perceived as missing
from prenatal educational settings.
CONCLUSIONS: Heterogeneity of prenatal education provides opportunities for collaboration;
however, established and emerging risk factors to pregnancy are neglected topics. Addressing the
needs of diverse communities of pregnant women requires timely, evidence‑based, inclusive, and
culturally safe delivery of prenatal health promotion.

Abstract CONTEXT: Quality of life is significant in all stages of life, including within pregnancy. The hormonal,
emotional, psychological, and physical factors specific to pregnancy can affect and threaten the
quality of life of pregnant mothers.
AIMS: This study sought to investigate the health‑related quality of life (HRQoL) and related factors
among pregnant women
SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This cross‑sectional study was performed on 300 pregnant women who
were in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy without any risk of high‑risk pregnancy covered
by a community health center in Yazd, Iran, between 2018 and 2019.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The required data were collected using demographic questionnaire
and HRQoL (SF‑12v2) questionnaire
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using SPSS 18 software and ANOVA
statistical tests (P < 0.05).
RESULTS: Physical dimension of quality of life of pregnant women had the mean and standard
deviation of 43.7 ± 7.3 and that psychological dimension had the mean and standard deviation of
31.5 ± 11.8. Physical dimension of quality of life was significantly correlated with maternal age,
gestational age, body mass index before 12 weeks of pregnancy, mother’s education and job as
well as spouse’s level of education (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the psychological dimension of quality
of life was significantly correlated with gestational age, mother’s education and occupation as well
as spouse’s level of education (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings, attention to physical and psychological aspects of quality
of life of pregnant women and demographic factors affecting it is essential for improving maternal
and child health during and after pregnancy.

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIM: The inability of women to demand from their husbands, for not smoking,
has been reported as a factor in exposure to cigarette smoke. This study aimed to investigate the
perceived barriers and self‑efficacy of pregnant women regarding second‑hand smoke (SHS) at home.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross‑sectional study, and the sample size was 255
pregnant women who visited the health‑care centers in Isfahan, Iran, from July 2018 to September
2018, and were selected randomly and voluntarily. A questionnaire was designed to collect the
data about the exposure to smoke, perceived barriers, and self‑efficacy. The data were analyzed
using descriptive statistics (mean score and standard deviation), inferential statistics (nonparametric
Mann–Whitney and Kendall test), and Spearman’s correlation and regression.
RESULTS: The mean score of self‑efficacy in the exposure group was lower than that the other
group (P = 0.000). The mean score of perceived barrier was not a significant difference (P = 0.449).
Personal perceived barriers are the most important predictor of self‑efficacy of pregnant women
in exposure to SHS (95% confidence interval: 0.013–0.262) (P = 0.030). Kendall test comparing
items within the group and Mann–Whitney test comparing the two groups showed that personal
factors such as “Unaware of the dangers of SHS and protective measures” for notexposed women
and environmental factor “the lack of ban smoking law at home” for exposed women are considered
the most important barriers (P = 0.000). “Not being together a husband” (P = 0.293) and “going to
another place when smoking a husband” (P = 0.000) are the highest self‑efficacy items.
CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to develop training programs to increase self‑efficacy to avoid
exposure to SHS and for both pregnant women and their husbands. It is also necessary to educate
and inform about SHS and protective measures against it and to set up “smoking ban law” at home
in our country to protect pregnant women.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is associated with negative psychological symptoms (NPS) and multidimensional pain. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of the combination of Benson’s relaxation technique (BRT) and brief psychoeducational intervention (BPI) on multidimensional pain and NPS of pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present randomized clinical trial was conducted on pregnant women referred to Imam Reza and Motazedi Hospitals in Kermanshah, Iran. In this regard, 60 pregnant women were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The groups attended BRT and BPI educational sessions for 4 weeks, but the control group received no intervention. Subsequently, both groups completed Depression Anxiety Stress Scale‑21 and multidimensional pain inventory. RESULTS: The mean NPS (stress, anxiety, and depression) was significantly decreased in the intervention group (P < 0.001), while no statistically significant differences were observed in the control group (P > 0.05). The independent t‑test revealed a significant difference between the mean scores of intervention and control groups (P < 0.001). The mean multidimensional pain was significantly decreased in mothers after the completion of educational sessions (P < 0.001), and the independent t‑test results indicated a significant difference between the scores of the intervention and control groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggested that the combination of BRT and BPI can lead to a reduction in the NPS and multidimensional pain in the pregnant women. This intervention is recommended to be considered as part of a healthcare program in pregnant mothers. 

Abstract BACKGROUND: Depression during pregnancy is one of the major concerns in mental health, hence
using interventional methods for the treatment or reducing the rate of depression is considered
a priority for maternal and fetal health. The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of
problem‑solving training in reducing depression in pregnant women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on seventy pregnant
women referring to Prenatal Care Clinics, Najmiyeh hospital in Tehran, Iran. The participants were
randomly allocated divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was given
routine prenatal care training at the clinic along with problem‑solving skills training based on the
Identify, Define, Explore, Act, Look back model in five sessions, but the control group only received
routine prenatal care training. Data were collected using the Beck’s Depression Inventory at the
beginning of the study and at the immediately and 1 month after two groups. Data were analyzed
using descriptive and analytical statistical tests.
RESULTS: In the experimental group, the mean depression score significantly reduced
from 16.06 ± 4.73 before intervention to 12.83 ± 4.10 and 13 ± 4.24 after intervention and at
follow‑up (P < 0.05). While in the control group, the mean depression from 15.34 ± 2.94 before
intervention to 14.80 ± 2.76 and 14.86 ± 2.924 after intervention and at follow‑up. It was not statistically
significant in the control group (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Problem‑solving training can be used as an optional method of reducing depression
in pregnant women, and it is recommended that should be implemented by the health‑care team.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: An appropriate exchange of information between the health‑care provider and
the family is an important component of coping with stress following the prenatal diagnosis of fetal
anomalies. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the informational needs of pregnant
women following a prenatal diagnosis of fetal anomalies in Mashhad, Iran.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This qualitative, conventional, content analysis study was designed
through two referral centers for fetal anomaly. The data were collected from April 2017 to January
2018 in Mashhad (Iran) through individual semi‑structured in‑depth interviews, from 25 pregnant
women with a prenatal diagnosis of fetal anomalies.
RESULTS: Three categories and nine subcategories emerged. Category 1, information needed for
clarifying the diagnosed anomaly and making a decision, containing four subcategories: The need to
know the reasons of doing more diagnostic tests; The need to know the facts regarding the anomaly
and its cause; The need for more information to gain control over the situation; and The need to know
about legal permission for therapeutic abortion. Category 2, Information needed for preparing to the
future, containing three subcategories: Practical and economic issues; The delivery and postnatal
situation; and Future mortality and morbidity of especial anomaly. Category 3, the adequacy of the
information provided, containing two subcategories: Information overload and Inadequate information.
CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women receiving a prenatal diagnosis of fetal anomaly have a variety
of information needs that are not adequately met by the health‑care providers. Further research is
required for finding a means to meeting this information need.

Abstract Abstract:
CONTEXT: Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most prevalent factors of sexually transmitted
diseases worldwide, which causes abortion, premature rupture of membrane, uterine cervicitis, pelvic
inflammatory diseases, and ectopic pregnancy.
AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of C. trachomatis genome in pregnant
women with abortion in Yasuj, Iran.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a descriptive–analytical study in Shahid Mofateh Gyneco‑obstetrics
clinic and Emam sajjad Hospital.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Specimens of cervix, urine, placenta, and blood of 107 pregnant
women were simultaneously collected at maternity ward and operation room and were stored for
molecular tests. The molecular tests were performed, and the results were analyzed.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Analysis was performed using SPSS software 9.1 (IBM, Illinois,
Chicago, USA) with descriptive–analytical statistics.
RESULTS: Of 107 women, 15 had polymerase chain reaction‑positive tests for C. trachomatis. The age
of the studied individuals was 15–38 years with mean age of 26.6 years. The highest infection rates were
in the age group of 21–25 years (7.47%), and the lowest frequency was in the age group of 36–40 years.
A significant difference was noted between the number of first abortions in the case and control groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that C. trachomatis as a sexually transmitted agent causes
severe complications such as abortion; thus, it is important to screen pregnant and sexually active
women who are craving to carry a baby.

Abstract Background: The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and convey information in various forms
of media including print and nonprint requires media literacy, but the capacity to obtain, process,
and understand basic information and services needed for appropriate decisions regarding
health, considered an important element in a woman’s ability to participate in health promotion
and prevention activities for herself and her children, is needed to a level of health literacy. The
purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between media literacy and health
literacy among pregnant women in health centers in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: This
study used a descriptive correlation study. Data collection tools include Shahin media literacy
and functional health literacy in adults’ questionnaires. The population include pregnant
women in health centers of Isfahan (4080 people). Ten out of the 351 health centers in Isfahan
were selected as cluster. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Media literacy of respondents in the five dimensions was significantly lower than
average 61.5% of pregnant women have inadequate health literacy, 18.8% had marginal health
literacy, and only 19.7% of them have had adequate health literacy. There was a significant
positive relationship between media literacy and health literacy among pregnant women.
Conclusion: This study showed that the majority of pregnant women covered by health
centers had limited health literacy and media literacy. Since one of the basic requirements for
the utilization of health information is needed for adequate media literacy, promotion of media
literacy is necessary for the respondents.

Abstract Introduction: This study was aimed to compare the effect of nutrition educational program
based on HBM with traditional education recommended weight gain among pregnant women
in Gonabad. Target population was pregnant women who were resided in Gonabad and went
to urban health care centers for prenatal cares. Materials and Methods: 110 pregnant women
(case group: 54, control group: 56) were selected who had come to this centers in the first
stage of prenatal care (6th -10th week of pregnancy) in 1388 and were consequently classified
in case and control group. There is no significant difference for age, education, number of
parity, history of abortion and job between case and control groups. Results: There was no
significant differences in nutritional behavior mean score before intervention in case (74.42
± 12.78) and control (77.14 ± 15.35) groups (P value = 0.82, independent t- test); but after
education, intervention was significant in nutritional behavior between two groups (P value =
0.01, independent t- test); Discussion: after intervention, there also was significant difference
in HBM structures mean score in case group compare with control group and the highest rise
in score was related to perceived benefits (15.13 increment).

Abstract Background: Sex ratio, an important social indicator measuring extent of prevailing equity
between males and females in society, is defined as number of females per 1000 males.
Changes in sex ratio reflect underlying socioeconomic, cultural patterns of a society. As
per 2011 census sex ratio in India is 914/1000 males, which continues to be significantly
adverse towards women. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the knowledge
and attitude regarding Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act among the pregnant
women at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Mumbai. Materials and Methods: A crosssectional study was carried out in the antenatal ward of Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical
College and General Hospital, Mumbai during the period of January to April 2008. A total
of 143 women were included and a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used
to get information regarding socio-demographic details of the pregnant women. They were
asked regarding the knowledge and attitude towards the PNDT Act. Data was analyzed by
using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0. Results: In the present study,
out of 143 women, 105 (73.5%) knew about sex determination. Even out of those who
had heard, the correct knowledge regarding PNDT act was very less. Sonography as a
technique for sex determination done at private hospital was known to the majority of women.
Conclusion: Education of women about gender equality and recommendations under PNDT
act in order to improve declining sex ratio in our country must be done. Wide publicization
in the media of the Act must be scaled up.