Effectiveness of an educational intervention on knowledge and practice of young midwifery college students about IUD and Pap smear, Babol, Iran.

Objectives: The high status of midwifery within the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is closely tied to enhancing clinical education. The purpose of this study was to review the effect of education on the knowledge and practice of midwifery students about Intrauterine Device (IUD) and Pap smears.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted over the course of four semesters, involving 128 bachelor of midwifery students. The sampling method was non-random, utilizing convenience sampling. Four consecutive 45 min weekly sessions were held, which included three theory sessions and one practical training session. Education was conducted in face-to-face training sessions using different methods such as lectures, question and answer, slide shows, educational films and brochures, and training participants with moulage. The data were gathered using a questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, various aspects of IUD and Pap smear knowledge, along with checklists for IUD insertion and Pap smear. Paired-samples T-test and multiple regression test were used to analyze the data. A significance level of p<0.05 was set for the analysis.

Results: The results of this study showed that there was a significant difference in the average knowledge across various aspects of IUD and Pap smear before and after the intervention (p<0.001). On multiple regression analysis, residence and income significantly influenced knowledge (β=0.313, p=0.001 and β=-0.384, p=0.001, respectively). Also, multiple regression analysis indicated that the use of IUD among family or friends and age significantly impacted practice (β=-0.450, p=0.005 and β=-0.206, p=0.030, respectively).

Conclusions: The educational intervention yielded a noticeable enhancement in the knowledge and practical skills of midwifery students. These students tend to achieve higher levels of success and deliver superior services to both patients and clients.