The Effects of Group Discussion and Multimedia Package Education Interventions on Healthy Lifestyle among Pregnant Women: A Field Trial Study

Background: Healthy lifestyle affects the health of mother and fetus during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of group discussion and multimedia package education interventions on healthy lifestyle among pregnant women. Methods: In this semi-experimental study 151 pregnant women in the 16-28 weeks of pregnancy age who were referring comprehensive health centers in Bajestan city, Iran were randomly allocated to three groups, including group discussion(n=50), multimedia package education(n=52), and control groups(n=49). Demographic questionnaire and Walker's Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II was used for data collection before and one month after intervention. The educational intervention in the group discussion was conducted in four sessions, in the multimedia package group a software consisting of text, video, animation, and audio materials was used, and the control group was received routine educational support in health centers. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and at the significance level of 0.05. Results: The result showed no significant difference in mean lifestyle scores between the three groups before intervention (p=0.073). Mean lifestyle score was significantly lower in the control group compared to the other two groups one month after (p<0.001). However, the mean lifestyle score was significantly increase in both group discussion and multimedia group (p<0.001). Conclusions: The findings showed that both of multimedia package and group discussion method improved lifestyle in pregnant women. Therefore, we suggest the health providers can use these methods for pregnant women regarding their rationales and facilitations.