Birth preparation is the preparation of mothers-to-be for a normal satisfying delivery through relieving her doubts, fears and anxiety about the birth process and that is by providing information on the birthing process, the breathing techniques which will help her relieve anxiety and thereby focus on the labour, positions to be adopted for labour for comfort and reducing pain,exercises for improving her muscle tone and strength for labour , methods of pain management in labour, place of birth for safe delivery and the supplies to take along for the birth to receive the baby and mother. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the level of knowledge and attitude regarding birth preparation among primigravida mothers, to determine the effectiveness of IEC package on the level of knowledge and attitude regarding birth preparation,to correlate the knowledge with attitude and to associate the post test level of knowledge and attitude regarding birth preparation with their demographic variables among primi gravida mothers in study and control group The conceptual frame work for the study was based on Weidenbach Helping Art Model of Clinical Nursing Practice. It provided a comprehensive frame work for achieving the objectives of the study. Quantitative approach and the quasi-experimental pre and post test control group design was selected to study the effectiveness of IEC package on birth preparation among primi gravida mothers. The investigator has collected the data within four weeks of time with effect from 01/08/2013 to 31/08/2013. Non probability convenient sampling method was used to select samples for the study. 60 primi gravida mothers were selected for the study [30 primi gravida mothers were allotted in study group and 30 primi gravida mothers were allotted in the control group]. Using the structured questionnaire, section-A demographic data of the primi gravida mothers were collected and using sectionB the knowledge regarding birth preparation among primi gravida mothers and section C- attitude on birth preparation among primi gravida mothers were assessed respectively. Followed by the teaching program [IEC package] was provided in the OPD with the help of powerpoint, flash cards and pamplet for 30 minutes and after a period of one week the post test was conducted. Likewise the structured questionnaire were provided to the mothers in the control group, by selecting 6 primi gravida each day for about 5 days and no teaching program was conducted, then the post test was conducted after one week. The IEC package was given to the primi gravida mothers in control group after the study was completed as an ethical consideration. The collection of data was performed within the stipulated time of 4 weeks. The Major findings of the study,the overall mean knowledge score in the pre test was 23.443 standard deviation 15.791 and mean knowledge score 61.777 standard deviation 28.37 in the post test project’s t value 6.488 which was statistically significant at p<0.001 .The mean attitude score in the pre test is 55.933 standard deviation 7.51 and mean attitude score 18.579 standard deviation 18.57 in post test of the study group project’s t value 3.746 which is statistically significant at p<0.001. There was significant association between the gain in knowledge and residence in study group and age with attitude score in study group. The results of the study concluded that IEC package has improved the knowledge and attitude. Therefore the investigator felt that more importance should be given to IEC package.

Keywords: Information Education Communication [IEC]; Birth Preparation; Primigravida.