Empowering Health Cadres in Reproductive Health Education through a Community Midwifery Approach

Samsinar Samsinar; Indrawat Aris Tyarini; Gustini Gustini; A. Wardah Muzfah; Matilda Martha Paseno

doi:10.61099/jpmei.v3i2.372

Authors

Samsinar Samsinar Department of Midwifery, Universitas Kurnia Jaya Persada, Palopo, South Sulawesi, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7684-6911
Indrawat Aris Tyarini Department of Midwifery, Universitas Sains AlQuran, Central Java, Indonesia
Gustini Gustini Department of Nursing, STIKes Bala Keselamatan Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4825-0064
A. Wardah Muzfah Universitas Andi Sudirman, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Matilda Martha Paseno Department of Nursing, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Stella Maris Makassar, South Sulawesi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2344-4048

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61099/jpmei.v3i2.372

Keywords:

Community Health Workers, Health Education, Midwifery, Reproductive Health, Training

Abstract

Introduction: Reproductive health remains a significant public health concern, particularly in communities with limited access to accurate information and services. Health cadres play a strategic role in delivering community-based education; however, their capacity in reproductive health education is often inadequate. This program aimed to empower health cadres in reproductive health education through a community midwifery approach.

Methods: A community service program was conducted using a participatory approach with a one-group pretest–posttest design. A total of 25 health cadres participated in structured training sessions facilitated by midwives. The intervention included lectures, group discussions, role-playing, and case-based learning covering adolescent reproductive health, family planning, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests.

Results: The findings showed a significant improvement in knowledge scores, increasing from a pretest mean of 55% to a posttest mean of 82%, indicating a 27% increase. In addition, cadres demonstrated improved communication and counseling skills during simulation sessions. The involvement of midwives contributed to a deeper understanding and the practical application of reproductive health education.

Conclusion: The community midwifery approach is effective in improving the knowledge and skills of health cadres in reproductive health education. This model has the potential to strengthen community-based health promotion and should be considered for broader implementation.

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