[Evaluation of the impact of birth preparation courses on the health of the mother and the newborn].
In 1995-96 a knowledge, attitude and practise (KAP) survey on care during pregnancy, delivery and in the post-natal period was carried out by the National Institute of Health in Italy. Of the 9004 women interviewed, 23% have attended antenatal classes (36% in hospitals, 51% in maternal and child health, MCH, clinics and 13% privately). Women attending these classes tend to be well-educated, primigravidae and resident in the North. Women who attend antenatal classes, especially at MCH clinics, have a lower risk of caesarean section (OR = 0.60), of bottle feeding while in hospital (OR = 0.45) and of receiving no information on contraception (OR = 0.31). Women who attend classes and are able to apply the technique learnt have a reduced risk of being dissatisfied with the experience of childbirth (OR = 0.72), whereas the others have an increased risk of dissatisfaction (OR = 1.87).
Baglio
G
G
Laboratorio di Epidemiologia e Biostatistica, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma.
Spinelli
A
A
Donati
S
S
Grandolfo
M E
ME
Osborn
J
J
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011295:Prenatal Care