THE EFFECT OF CURRENT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM IN HEALTH CARE CENTERS ON THE TYPE AND OUTCOME OF CHILDBIRTH: AN ANALYTICAL DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Background & Aims: One of the most important causes of women's tendency to cesarean section is lack of awareness, negative attitude towards natural delivery, and fear of labor pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of current educational programs in health centers on the type and consequences of delivery. Materials & Methods: This research is a descriptive-analytical and case-control study of a prospective type that was conducted in 2016- 2017. The study population consisted of pregnant women attending prenatal education centers in Saveh. All sections were taught based on the protocols of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and were provided by midwives with a 60-hour certificate of physiological delivery. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Demographic characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. There was a significant difference in the type of delivery between the two groups, and in the case group, the highest rate of cesarean section was observed (p = 0.011). The mean duration of the first and second stages of labor was more in the case group (p = 0.01). The rate of tear and episiotomy was higher in the case group (p = 0.001). The rate of hospitalization in the first 24 hours after birth was higher in the control group (p =0.03). Conclusion: Current education has not had an impact on the outcomes of childbirth and appropriate corrections should be made in this regard.