Effectiveness of Health Education on Reproductive Health Knowledge Among Women: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Short Communication

Effectiveness of Health Education on Reproductive Health Knowledge Among Women: A Quasi-Experimental Study

  • Dilhadbegaum Bidarkundi 1*
  • Ravi Dumagond 2
  • Suresh Loni 3
  • Ananda 4

1Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing, Shree Siddeshwar Samsthe College of Nursing, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.

2Assistant Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing, Shree Siddeshwar Samsthe College of Nursing, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.

3Lecturer, Department of Child Health Nursing, Shree Siddeshwar Samsthe College of Nursing, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.

4Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, SDS TRC and RGICD College of Nursing, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

*Corresponding Author: Dilhadbegaum Bidarkundi, Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing, Shree Siddeshwar Samsthe College of Nursing, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.

Citation: Bidarkundi D, Dumagond R, Loni S, Ananda. (2026). Effectiveness of Health Education on Reproductive Health Knowledge Among Women: A Quasi-Experimental Study, International Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Research, BioRes Scientia Publishers. 6(4):1-4. DOI: 10.59657/2997-6103.brs.26.137

Copyright: © 2026 Dilhadbegaum Bidarkundi, this is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Received: March 02, 2026 | Accepted: March 13, 2026 | Published: March 19, 2026

Abstract

Background: Reproductive health is an essential component of women’s overall health and well-being. Lack of awareness regarding reproductive health issues such as menstrual hygiene, family planning, sexually transmitted infections, and maternal health contributes to poor health outcomes among women. Health education plays a crucial role in improving knowledge and promoting healthy reproductive practices. Community-based educational interventions can empower women to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health.

Objectives: 1. To assess the baseline level of knowledge regarding reproductive health among women. 2. To evaluate the effectiveness of health education on reproductive health knowledge among women. 3. To determine the association between reproductive health knowledge scores and selected demographic variables.

Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted for the study. A total of 100 women from selected community areas were selected using purposive sampling. Baseline knowledge regarding reproductive health was assessed using a structured questionnaire. A structured health education program on reproductive health was administered. Post-test assessment was conducted two weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The mean pre-test knowledge score was 11.8±3.4, indicating inadequate knowledge regarding reproductive health. After the health education intervention, the mean post-test knowledge score increased to 21.2±2.9. The improvement in knowledge was statistically significant (p<0.001). Educational status and previous exposure to reproductive health information showed significant association with knowledge scores.

Conclusion: The health education program was effective in improving women’s knowledge regarding reproductive health. Community health nurses can play a vital role in conducting educational programs to enhance awareness and promote reproductive health among women.


Keywords: reproductive health; health education; women’s health; community health nursing; knowledge

Introduction

Reproductive health is a vital component of women’s overall health and well-being. It refers to the complete physical, mental, and social well-being related to the reproductive system and its functions. Reproductive health includes menstrual hygiene, family planning, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, safe pregnancy, and maternal health care.

Women in many developing countries often lack adequate knowledge regarding reproductive health due to social stigma, cultural beliefs, limited education, and inadequate access to health information. Poor awareness of reproductive health issues can lead to various health problems including unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, maternal complications, and poor menstrual hygiene practices.

Health education is considered one of the most effective strategies for improving awareness and promoting healthy behaviors among women. Educational programs can empower women with accurate information, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health.

Community health nurses play an important role in promoting reproductive health through health education, counseling, and community outreach programs. By providing structured educational interventions, nurses can help women understand the importance of reproductive health and encourage them to adopt healthy practices.

Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of health education on reproductive health knowledge among women in selected community areas.

Materials and Methods

Research Design

The study adopted a quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test research design to evaluate the effectiveness of health education.

Setting

The study was conducted in selected community areas.

Population

The target population consisted of women of reproductive age group (18–45 years) residing in the selected community.

Sample Size

A total of 100 women participated in the study.

Sampling Technique

Participants were selected using purposive sampling technique.

Inclusion Criteria

Women who

  • Were aged between 18–45 years
  • Were willing to participate in the study
  • Were available during the data collection period

Exclusion Criteria

Women who:

  • Were healthcare professionals
  • Had previously attended reproductive health education programs

Description of Health Education Program

The structured health education program covered the following topics

  1. Concept and importance of reproductive health
  2. Menstrual hygiene practices
  3. Family planning methods
  4. Prevention of sexually transmitted infections
  5. Importance of antenatal and postnatal care
  6. Nutrition during reproductive age

Teaching methods included

  • Lecture with visual aids
  • Group discussion
  • Demonstration
  • Distribution of educational pamphlets

The duration of the health education session was 60 minutes.

Data Collection Tools

Section A: Demographic Variables

This section included information regarding

  • Age
  • Educational status
  • Occupation
  • Marital status
  • Type of family
  • Number of children
  • Previous exposure to reproductive health information

Section B: Structured Knowledge Questionnaire

A structured questionnaire consisting of 25 multiple-choice questions was used to assess knowledge regarding reproductive health.

Topics included

  • Menstrual hygiene
  • Family planning
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Maternal health
  • Nutrition during reproductive years

Scoring Criteria

Correct Answer = 1 mark

Incorrect Answer = 0 mark

Total Score Range = 0-25

Knowledge levels were classified as:

Poor Knowledge = 0-8

Moderate Knowledge = 9-16

Good Knowledge = 17-25

Data Collection Procedure

Permission was obtained from community authorities before conducting the study. The purpose of the study was explained to the participants and informed consent was obtained.

A pre-test was conducted using the structured questionnaire to assess baseline knowledge regarding reproductive health.

Following the pre-test, a health education session was conducted for the participants.

A post-test was conducted two weeks after the intervention using the same questionnaire to assess improvement in knowledge.

Data Analysis

Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Descriptive statistics included

  • Frequency
  • Percentage
  • Mean
  • Standard deviation

Inferential statistics included

  • Paired t-test to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention
  • Chi-square test to determine association between knowledge scores and demographic variables

A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Demographic Characteristics of Participants

Among the 100 participants

  • 40% were aged between 26–35 years
  • 52% had secondary education
  • 60% were housewives
  • 55percentage belonged to nuclear families
  • 68% had no previous exposure to reproductive health education

Knowledge Level in Pre-Test

  • 62% of women had poor knowledge
  • 30% had moderate knowledge
  • 8% had good knowledge

Knowledge Level in Post-Test

  • 15% had moderate knowledge
  • 85% had good knowledge

Effectiveness of Health Education

TestMeanStandard Deviation
Pre-test11.83.4
Post-test21.22.9

The calculated paired t-test value was statistically significant (p less than 0.001) indicating that the health education program significantly improved reproductive health knowledge among women.

Association Between Knowledge and Demographic Variables

The study found a significant association between knowledge scores and educational status and previous exposure to reproductive health information.

No significant association was found with age or marital status.

Discussion

The findings of the present study revealed that women initially had inadequate knowledge regarding reproductive health. This may be due to lack of awareness, cultural barriers, and limited access to health information.

After the implementation of the health education program, there was a significant improvement in knowledge levels among participants. The findings suggest that structured health education programs are effective in improving reproductive health awareness.

Similar studies have reported that educational interventions significantly improve women’s knowledge and encourage healthy reproductive practices. Health education empowers women to seek appropriate healthcare services and adopt preventive measures.

Community health nurses can play a significant role in providing reproductive health education and promoting awareness among women in community settings.

Implications for Community Health Nursing

The findings of the study highlight the importance of community-based reproductive health education programs.

Community health nurses can conduct awareness programs, workshops, and counseling sessions to improve reproductive health knowledge among women.

Nursing education should emphasize reproductive health promotion and equip nurses with skills to deliver effective community health education.

Further research can explore the long-term impact of health education programs on reproductive health practices among women.

Conclusion

The present study concluded that the health education program significantly improved reproductive health knowledge among women. Educational interventions are effective strategies for promoting reproductive health awareness and empowering women to make informed health decisions. Community health nurses should continue to implement educational programs in communities to enhance women’s health and well-being.

References