Level of Knowledge of Midwives on Prenatal Diagnostic Methods and Antepartum Fetal Well-being who Work in the Community Polyclinics in Kocaeli [Kocaeli İli Merkez Saglik Ocaklari'nda Çalişan Ebelerin Prenatal Tani ve Antepartum Fetal Degerlendirme Yöntemleri Konusunda Bilgi Düzeylerinin Araştirilmasi]

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of knowledge of midwives on methods of prenatal diagnosis and fetal well-being. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred midwives who work in central community polyclinics of City Health Administrative of Kocaeli has been enrolled. In order to find out the level of knowledge of midwives on methods of prenatal diagnosis and fetal well-being, a survey composed of appropriate questionnaire techniques and related literature has been applied. The data have been analyzed by the statistical computer software, SPSS. RESULT(s): The rate of midwives, who believe to have a counseling role in fetal well-being assessment was 79%. The rate of midwives who obtained correct information on methods used in fetal well-being assessment was as follows: 57% for ultrasonography (USG), 64% for non-stress test (NST), 90% for amniocentesis, 51% for maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP 54% for chorionic villus sampling (CVS), 30% for fetoscopy, 87% for cordocentesis. In addition, there was a significant correlation between the educational levels of midwives and their role on prenatal counseling (chi-square test, X2=23.7, P<0. 05). CONCLUSION(s): Although most of the midwives believe that they have a counseling role in prenatal care services, it seems that they don't have enough knowledge in terms of prenatal diagnostic methods and fetal well-being despite that they are supposed to have a very important role and great responsibility on primary health care maternity services. It is necessary that the midwives should be trained intensively regarding the prenatal diagnosis and fetal well-being trough oncop traning