The impact of antenatal classes on knowledge, anxiety and confidence in primiparous women

Abstract

Sixty-seven women attending either hospital or community based antenatal classes completed assessments of their knowledge, anxiety and confidence prior to first attendance. After completion of the course these assessments were repeated. Highly significant increases in knowledge were shown. While initial knowledge levels were associated with demographic factors this effect was eliminated following classes. Confidence in coping with labour and in caring for the newborn infant also showed significant increases following classes. The effect on anxiety was less marked. Anxiety was unrelated to knowledge levels. Few differences were found between hospital and community based classes. However, the latter appeared to have the advantage of promoting social relationships. The implications of the findings for the development of antenatal care services are discussed.