Vol. 2008 No. 1 (2008)
Training Rural Healthcare Workers on Maternal Care in Zimbabwe: A Three-Month Evaluation Study
Abstract
This study evaluates a training programme for rural healthcare workers in maternal care quality in Zimbabwe. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including pre- and post-training assessments and focus group discussions to evaluate changes in knowledge and skills related to maternal health care. Rural healthcare workers reported an increase of 20% in their confidence levels regarding maternal care practices after the training programme. Focus groups highlighted a significant improvement in the provision of antenatal care services by participants. The training programme significantly enhanced rural healthcare workers' knowledge and skills in maternal care, as evidenced by increased self-reported confidence and observed improvements in service delivery. Continued support for ongoing training sessions and further research to monitor long-term impacts on maternal health outcomes is recommended. Maternal Care Training, Rural Healthcare Workers, Zimbabwe, Mixed-Methods Evaluation Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p_i)=\beta_0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.