Knowledge and Interpersonal Skills Regarding the Early Detection of Midwifery Cases: A-Mix Methods Study

Esti  Nugraheny; Yunefit Ulfa; Nur Allailiyah; Eny Retna  Ambarwati

doi:10.26911/ICPH10/Maternal/2023.28

Authors

	Esti Nugraheny Center for Public Health and Nutrition Research, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia ~ Author
	Yunefit Ulfa Center for Public Health and Nutrition Research, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia ~ Author
	Nur Allailiyah Indonesian Midwives Association, Bantul districts. Yogyakarta, Indonesia ~ Author
	Eny Retna Ambarwati Akbidyo Schools of Health Science ~ Author

Abstract

Background: The maternal mortality rate (MMR) in Indonesia remains high. Training toward the early detection of midwifery cases is needed to improve the midwives' competence and reduce the MMR. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge and interpersonal skills for early detection of midwifery cases and to determine the feasibility and benefits of the training using the Modified Early Obstetric Warning Score (MEOWS) based on participants' perceptions.

Subjects and Methods: This was a mixed-methods study conducted in Bantul, Yogyakarta. A total of 60 from 242 state civil service midwives were selected by purposive sampling. The dependent variable was knowledge, self-efficacy, and communication. The independent variable was MEOWS Training (blended vs. online). The intervention included 82 sessions receiving blended training (n=30) and receiving online MEOWS training (n=30). The data were collected by knowledge questionnaires, a self-efficacy scale, a communication scale, and FGD guidelines. Quantitative data were analyzed by T-Test. Qualitative data were analyzed by thematic content analysis.

Results: Before intervention, the mean knowledge between blended training group (Mean=64.50; SD=7.90) with self-efficacy (Mean=29.20; SD=4.40), and the online training group (Mean=64.60; SD=14.60) with self-efficacy (Mean=29.80; SD= 5.50). After intervention, the mean knowledge between blended training group (Mean=97.10; SD=5.80) with self-efficacy (Mean=31.70; SD=5.80), and the online training group (Mean=94.00; SD= 8.80) with self-efficacy (Mean=31.70; SD=4.20) improved in both groups, and it was statistically significant. Midwife participants reported being more engaged with the blended training, found it feasible and useful, and were keen for its implementation to optimize the early detection of midwifery cases.

Conclusion: Although both blended and online training were effective in increasing knowledge and self-efficacy regarding the early detection of midwifery cases, However, blended training is more feasible based on the participants' perceptions. Continuous evaluation is needed to determine retention and the long-term impact of service quality.