A One-group Pretest–Posttest Study: Effect of Initial Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Screening Training on Knowledge among Multidisciplinary Primary Healthcare Professionals in East Java, Indonesia
Meity Ardiana, Inna Maya Sufiyah, Fatimah Zahra, Kris Gratia Ageng Nanda, Jesse Lesmana, Asih Novea Krediastuti, Safira Rahma, Novia Nurul FaizahIntroduction:
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but serious cardiac condition that occurs in pregnant or postpartum women, characterized by impaired and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction <45%. Previous studies suggest that frontline healthcare professionals often have limited familiarity with PPCM, which may delay recognition and management. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether a structured training program could improve and strengthen healthcare professionals’ knowledge and confidence in screening PPCM. Improved recognition is expected to reduce diagnostic delays, enhance maternal cardiovascular outcomes, and ultimately contribute to lowering PPCM-related morbidity and mortality.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental single-group pretest–posttest study was conducted among healthcare professionals in East Java to evaluate a PPCM training program. The sessions covered pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, screening approaches, and key echocardiographic features. Participants completed questionnaires before and after training to evaluate knowledge changes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov–Smirnov, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Results:
The results showed that a total of 869 healthcare professionals participated in the program, consisting of 190 general practitioner (21.9%), 632 midwives (72.7%), 43 nurses (4.9%), and 4 administrative staff (0.5%). The mean scores increased from 12.23 (standard deviation [SD] =2.003) before training to 13.74 (SD = 1.575) afterward, indicating significant improvement (
Conclusions:
Targeted educational programs effectively enhance PPCM knowledge among healthcare providers. By enabling earlier recognition and reducing diagnostic delays, this training is crucial for improving maternal cardiovascular care and outcomes.