The Effect of Childbirth Preparation and Support Classes on Learning Expectations of Midwifery Students

Abstract

Aim: Health education; It includes the process of having combined knowledge that requires theoretical, technical and clinical knowledge and skills. Birth preparation and support classes are also an important bridge between student learning in the classroom and clinical experience. In this study, it was aimed to reveal whether the education given in practical classes meets the learning expectations of midwifery students.

Material and Methods: The study was conducted cross-sectionally with 108 midwifery students. Data were collected through a face-to-face questionnaire. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 statistical program.

Results: The mean age of the students participating in the study was 21.7±2.45 (min:19-max:35). 63.9% of the participants are studying in the 3rd grade in the midwifery department. A statistically significant difference was found in terms of the situation of students having the opportunity to apply the knowledge they had previously received about preparation for childbirth before the education and the situation of finding their previous practices related to birth preparation sufficient (p=0.000). Expectations of midwifery students regarding preparation for childbirth education; education is interactive, transculturally oriented and applicable. 95.4% of the students stated that the pregnant school opened in the faculty met their expectations about childbirth preparation education.

Conclusion: It has been observed that the interactive implementation of the subjects that include application in birth preparation and support classes and midwifery education in the laboratory environment, the preference of the students outside the classical classes, their attendance and taking an active role in the lesson have increased. At the same time, it was observed that the students who had the opportunity to practice the course were willing to apply the knowledge they learned in the clinical environment, and their communication with the mentor midwives, nurses and women who came to receive service in the clinic improved positively.