ASSESSMENT OF PARENT EDUCATION METHODS FOR INFANT IMMUNIZATION

Objective: To assess whether a video about infant immunization could i nform parents as well as human counselling (oral presentation). Method s: Core information for parents about infant immunization was identifi ed and packaged in an instructional video and a scripted oral presenta tion. Volunteer prenatal classes were randomly assigned a video or ora l presentation. Participants completed pre- and post-test questionnair es covering the same 16 items. Scores were compared for each question and as a group means, using Fisher's exact test, 2-sided. Results: 227 subjects participated, including 102 men and 124 women. Groups were s imilar in terms of gender mix, parenting experience and recent reading about immunization. Pre-test knowledge scores were similarly low betw een groups. Post-test scores were much higher but did not differ signi ficantly between groups. Conclusions: In a prenatal classroom setting, video and oral presentations were equally effective in conveying key information about infant immunization.