Effectiveness of Educational Intervention on Risk Factors Leading to Preterm Labor Among Pregnant Women in Public Sector Hospital, Peshawar

Background: Preterm labor, a significant concern in maternal and neonatal health, has high prevalence rates in low- and middle-income countries, including Pakistan. Identifying and managing risk factors through education can reduce these rates.Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention on risk factors leading to preterm labor among pregnant women.Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 54 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Participants aged 18–45 years without chronic illness were recruited. Baseline knowledge of preterm labor risk factors was assessed using a validated questionnaire, followed by a three-week educational intervention. Post-intervention knowledge was reassessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with paired sample t-tests and Chi-square tests applied.Results: Pre-intervention, 93% of participants demonstrated poor knowledge. Post-intervention, 80% achieved good knowledge, with mean scores increasing from 34.65 (SD = 3.999) to 53.65 (SD = 3.332). The knowledge gain was significant (p = 0.000).Conclusion: Educational interventions effectively improved pregnant women's knowledge of preterm labor risk factors. Integrating such programs into prenatal care may enhance maternal health outcomes.