The study reviewed the provision of childbirth and
parenting education in the ACT for indicators of
effectiveness and needs. Users (n = 207) and providers
(n = 7) were surveyed for information on educational and
administrative aspects of the service. An original
design questionnaire was based on the PRECEDE framework
(predisposing, reinforcing and enabling factors in
educational diagnosis and evaluation) and the social
model of health. Items were drawn from the relevant
literature, concerning individual, social and service
delivery elements of the health fields concept
interpreted for pregnancy, childbirth and parenting.
Individual factors were related to Maslow's hierarchy and
the valuing approach to health education. The provider
survey covered information on organisational elements,
comprising inputs, processes, products, outputs and
outcomes of childbirth education.
The study comprised a literature review, cross-sectional
non-experimental surveys of users and providers, and a
needs assessment combining information from each of the
three sources. Descriptive statistical techniques,
analysis of variance and valuing analysis were used to
extract information on effectiveness indicators and needs
from the user data. Comparisons were made between
present and past users, and between women of different
ages, experience of pregnancy and preferences for public
or private methods of education for childbirth.
No evidence was found of individual differences in the
women's attitudes, beliefs and values that could be
attributed to education. However, users expressed strong
approval and positive views of the service and its
providers. The level of personal health skills,
confidence and emotional preparatiqn they achieved
through childbirth and parenting education did not fully
meet their expectations.
The survey also found that the organisation of childbirth
and parenting education has not developed professionally
like other health services. Service goals and objectives
are ill-defined; planning and coordinating are inadequate
for an integrated maternal health care system. The
service's main resources are its highly motivated and
dedicated teachers and clients. Several recommendations
are made for educational and administrative measures to
enhance service effectiveness within present
organisational constraints, based on the needs identified
by the study.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/218945 |
| Date | January 1990 |
| Creators | O'Meara, Carmel M., n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Education |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Carmel M. O'Meara |
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