Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Management of Health Care Service, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran,
2 Department of Social Medicine, College of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of men’s role in prenatal care and its impact on the outcome
of a high‑risk pregnancy, in many countries, including Iran, men are not aware of their real needs.
Since the first step in designing any health plan is to identify the needs of the target population and
that no program can be effective without considering the actual needs of the target group, this study
aimed to identify men’s educational needs for participation in prenatal, childbirth, and postnatal care.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive cross‑sectional study, 280 men were selected
in Kashan city, Iran, in 2015. The sampling method was cluster sampling. The data collection tool
was questionnaire designed based on Mortazavi and Simbar’s studies that included demographic
characteristics of the subjects (14 questions) and their educational needs in terms of the content of
the training program, the training method, trainer, time, place of training, all of which were measured
by Likert scale and completed by the interview. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16
using descriptive statistics.
RESULTS: The findings showed that the mean age of the men participating in the study was
35.15 ± 5.83 years. Most men had high school education (45%). The three most important educational
needs of men regarding participation in prenatal and postnatal care were maternal nutrition (87.5%),
sexual health (86.8%), and warning signs during pregnancy (81.8%). Men preferred to receive
information from a physician (93.2%), before pregnancy (91.8%) in healthcare centers (90%). Family
was the most important source of information.
CONCLUSION: According to men’s suggestions, suitable educational programs must be implemented
by physicians in healthcare centers in classes of preparation for labor and childbirth or during prenatal
care.
Keywords
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