Design and process of the EMA Cohort Study: the value of antenatal education in childbirth and breastfeeding
2008

Study Protocol for the EMA Cohort Study on Antenatal Education

Sample size: 616 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Paz-Pascual Carmen, Pinedo Isabel Artieta, Grandes Gonzalo, de Gamboa Gurutze Remiro Fernandez, Hermosilla Itziar Odriozola, de la Hera Amaia Bacigalupe, Gordon Janire Payo, Garcia Guadalupe Manzano, de Pedro Magdalena Ureta

Primary Institution: Basque Health Service (Osakidetza)

Hypothesis

What is the effect of antenatal education on childbirth outcomes and breastfeeding initiation and continuation?

Conclusion

The study found that a high percentage of pregnant women attended antenatal education sessions, which may influence childbirth outcomes and breastfeeding.

Supporting Evidence

  • 93% of pregnant women attended at least one antenatal education session.
  • Follow-up was completed in 99% of participants.
  • Women attending more sessions had a higher mean age and educational level.

Takeaway

This study looks at how attending classes before giving birth can help new moms with childbirth and breastfeeding.

Methodology

A prospective cohort study followed 616 nulliparous pregnant women for 13 months, measuring various childbirth and breastfeeding outcomes based on the number of antenatal education sessions attended.

Potential Biases

Sociodemographic characteristics may confound the results as they influence both attendance to education sessions and childbirth outcomes.

Limitations

The study had low variability in exposure to antenatal education, which decreased its statistical power.

Participant Demographics

Participants were nulliparous pregnant women aged 18 to 42, predominantly Spanish, with a majority having secondary or university education.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Confidence Interval

95%

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6955-7-5

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