THE PERCEIVED BENEFITS OF HEALTH EDUCATION ON PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE AT SHARADA PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CLINIC, KANO STATE.

The study investigated the Perceived Benefits of Health Education on Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Sharada Primary Health Care Clinic, Kano State aimed to assess the impact of health education on the health behaviours and pregnancy outcomes of pregnant women attending antenatal care. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the level of awareness regarding health education, assess its influence on health behaviours, and examine its impact on pregnancy outcomes. A descriptive research design was employed, with a sample size of 100 pregnant women. These participants were stratified into three groups based on their trimester: 50 from the first trimester, 30 from the second, and 20 from the third. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire, consisting of four sections: one for demographic information and three addressing the research questions related to health education awareness, its influence on health behaviours, and its impact on pregnancy outcomes. The questionnaire used a Likert scale for responses. The findings of the study revealed that most respondents were aware of the benefits of health education, which positively influenced their health behaviours, including nutrition, exercise, and regular attendance at antenatal care appointments. Furthermore, health education was found to improve pregnancy outcomes by reducing complications and increasing preparedness for childbirth. In conclusion, the study affirmed that health education during antenatal care plays a significant role in improving both maternal health behaviours and pregnancy outcomes. Based on these findings, it is recommended that antenatal health education programs be strengthened, healthcare providers receive additional training, and outreach programs be expanded to ensure more pregnant women benefit from health education.