Journal of Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences

Background and Aim: Needs assessment can assist practitioners in using resources effectively to improve program decision making. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the educational needs of health care providers (Behvarzan) working towards maternal health in health networks in Savehby means of  knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP).

Material and Methods: A descriptive- cross sectional study was conducted on 86 employees of Saveh Health Centers. The instrument for data collection was a researcher-developed questionnaire including four parts: demographic characteristics (6 questions), knowledge (17 questions), attitude (7 sentences) and practice (20sentences) about maternal health. The questionnaire was used for data collection along with face to face interviews and observation to fulfillthe required validity and reliability. Data were coded and analyzed by SPSS software using one-way ANOVA, chi-square, and T-test.

Results: The results showed that, 54.6% of the subjects had high knowledge about maternal health, whereas 34.9% and 10.5% of them had moderate and low level of awareness, respectively. In addition, 76.8% of the subjects had high attitude towardsmaternal health. Regarding the performance of maternal health, only 18.6% had good practice. There were significant differences for KAP by the level of education and sex.

Conclusion: The level of care providers’knowledge and attitude of health were better than their practice. Provision of theory base educational programs for the improvement of practice is recommended.