The effect of educational program of AIDS prevention on knowledge of pregnant women in the health centers of Ahvaz in 2011

Introduction: Awareness of pregnant women about HIV/AIDS can play an important role in prevention of disease in the society. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of educational program on knowledge of pregnant women about HIV/AIDS.

Material and Method: This was a randomized controlled trial on which, 120 pregnant women referred to health centers of Ahvaz for their routine follow-ups during pregnancy were selected on the basis of inclusion criteria in 2011. A questionnaire about socio-demographic and knowledge about HIV/AIDS was provided and completed using interview. Women were randomly classified into two groups (intervention and control).

Individuals in control group only received routing care during pregnancy. But intervention group received two educational sessions and a booklet regarding HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention. Knowledge of participants was assessed at the beginning and at the end of study using the same questionnaire. Data analyzed using the SPSS ver 16 and descriptive, chi-square, independent, paired t-test and Pearson test were used for statistical purposes.

Results: The findings revealed that; 33% of individuals had enough knowledge about transmission ways and 28% had enough knowledge about how to prevent disease. Majority of women (80%) did not receive any education about HIV/AIDS.

There was significant difference between both of groups after accomplishment of educational program and mothers knowledge in intervention group was significantly increased.

Conclusion: Considering the educational classes for pregnant women and encouraging them to participate in these classes can be an effective way to reduce the rate of transmission of HIV/AIDS.

Key words: HIV/AIDS; Pregnant women; Educational program; Transmission; Prevention