Maternal Health Education and Its Effect on Antenatal Care Compliance among Pregnant Women

Abstract

This study examines the effect of maternal health education on antenatal care compliance among pregnant women. The research aimed to explore how maternal health education influences healthcare awareness, behavioral motivation, and adherence to routine antenatal services. A qualitative method with a phenomenological research design was employed because the study focused on understanding the lived experiences, perceptions, and behavioral changes of pregnant women after receiving maternal health education. The research was conducted at several community health centers and maternal healthcare facilities in West Java Province, Indonesia, selected due to the active implementation of maternal education programs and the continuing challenges of antenatal care compliance. The study involved twenty-five informants consisting of fifteen pregnant women, five midwives, three maternal healthcare coordinators, and two community healthcare workers. Informants were selected purposively because they possessed direct experience and involvement in maternal healthcare education and antenatal services. The findings revealed that maternal health education significantly improved maternal awareness, healthcare motivation, communication trust, family support, and self-efficacy, thereby increasing antenatal care compliance. The study recommends strengthening culturally adaptive maternal education programs, family-centered counseling, and community-based healthcare communication strategies to improve maternal healthcare participation and reduce pregnancy-related health risks.