Perception of the content, structure and delivery of antenatal health education received by pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Introduction Investigating the structure of antenatal health education (AHE) received by women is crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes. We assessed pregnant women’s reported structure of AHE in selected secondary and tertiary health facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 women with gestational age of 32–40 weeks. These women were attending the antenatal clinic at two secondary and one tertiary health facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Eight questions were used to assess structure of AHE received, and graded from “0” (Never), “1” (Sometimes), to “2” (Always). Overall, 16 points were obtainable. Scores greater than or equal to the mean (≥ 8 points) indicated “Good structure”. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine predictors of good structure of AHE (α 0.05 ). Results The mean (± Standard deviation) age of the women was 31.1 (± 5.1) years. Overall, 98 (40.8%) visited the tertiary health facility, and 186 (77.5%) women reported good structure of AHE. Ninety-five (96.9%) women attending the tertiary health facility reported good structure of AHE compared to 91 (64.1%) in secondary facilities (Chi-square = 35.892, p = <  0.001 ). Women receiving AHE at the tertiary health facility had higher odds of reporting good structure of AHE compared to those in secondary facilities (AOR = 18.767, 95%CI = 5.300–66.449, p = <  0.001 ). Conclusion More than two-thirds of pregnant women reported good structure of AHE in the selected health facilities, however, better reports were obtained in tertiary than secondary facilities. To strengthen the structure of AHE, health facilities should adopt differentiated approaches, such as grouping women by gestational age or risk profile, to ensure that information is tailored to their needs.