Effectiveness of Role-Play-Based Behaviour Change Communication on Knowledge Regarding Healthy Mother–Healthy Child among Antenatal Mothers in a Selected Primary Health Centre, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Antenatal care is a vital component of maternal and child health services, promoting safe pregnancy, childbirth, and favourable newborn outcomes through timely health education. However, inadequate knowledge of maternal nutrition, pregnancy danger signs, birth preparedness, breastfeeding, newborn care, immunisation, and healthy maternal practices remains a concern among many antenatal mothers. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of role-play-based Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) in improving knowledge regarding Healthy Mother–Healthy Child care among antenatal mothers. A quantitative, pre-experimental, one-group pre-test–post-test design was adopted among 50 antenatal mothers attending a selected Primary Health Centre in Tamil Nadu; participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Knowledge was assessed using a structured questionnaire before and after the intervention. The BCC programme comprised role-play sessions on key maternal and child health topics. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including a paired t-test. The mean knowledge score increased from 10.53 ± 4.09 in the pre-test to 18.70 ± 1.86 in the post-test. This improvement was statistically significant (paired t = 24.54, p < 0.0001), indicating that the intervention improved participants’ knowledge. The findings suggest that role-play-based BCC may be incorporated into routine antenatal care services to strengthen maternal and newborn health education.