Home-based life-saving skills in Liberia: acquisition and retention of skills and knowledge

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2010 Jul-Aug;55(4):370-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jmwh.2009.09.016.

Abstract

Introduction: In 2006, Home-Based Life-Saving Skills was introduced in three Liberian counties, in partnership with Africare-Liberia and the Liberian Ministry of Health and with funding by the United States Agency for International Development.

Methods: Traditional midwives and trained traditional midwives (N = 412) underwent pre- and immediate posttesting on four topics. Three hundred eighty-nine (94%) of the original participants also completed 1-year follow-up posttesting.

Results: Mean scores significantly improved between pre- and immediate posttests and knowledge improvement was stable at 1 year. Correct responses on individual steps for each of four topics significantly increased over the course of training. The data demonstrate a major change in the knowledge base of the traditional and trained traditional midwives acting as village guides.

Discussion: Home-Based Life-Saving Skills is a viable means by which to improve community knowledge and decrease maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Community Health Services / organization & administration
  • Community Health Services / standards
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Home Childbirth / standards*
  • Humans
  • Infant Mortality*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • International Cooperation
  • Liberia
  • Maternal Mortality*
  • Maternal-Child Health Centers / organization & administration
  • Maternal-Child Health Centers / standards
  • Midwifery / education*
  • Midwifery / standards*
  • Pregnancy
  • Time Factors
  • Warfare