Assess the Effectiveness of Planned Teaching on Knowledge Regarding the Prevention of Fungal Infection among 1st Trimester Antenatal Mothers

Introduction: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is usually also known as yeast infection and is a common gynecological problem affecting three out of four women in their lifetime. Vulvovaginal candidiasis affects 70%–75% of women at some point in their lives. In women who are pregnant, premenopausal, asymptomatic, in good health, or who have acute vulvovaginal candidiasis, Candida albicans is the most common species. Pregnant women frequently get vaginitis from this cause. Even while the illness rarely poses a threat to life, it can cause a great amount of suffering on both physical and mental levels. Methods: A quantitative research approach and interventional pre- and posttest design were used in this study. The study was executed in the antenatal OPD of the selected hospital at Wardha. The population was 164 1 st trimester antenatal women using the convenience sampling technique. The duration of the study was 1 week. A planned teaching was administered, and after 7 days posttest was collected. Results: In the study, there was an increase in the knowledge among antenatal mothers after planned teaching with very good (70.7%), excellent (17.1%), good (12.2), average (0%), and poor (0%) level of knowledge regarding vaginal candidiasis. The demographic variable is not associated with the level of knowledge of antenatal mothers. Conclusion: Candida infection in mothers is a major risk factor as the development of candida colonization can occur in the infant, which in turn can lead to preterm birth and vertical transmission of infection. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that there is a constant need for awareness and health education to all the 1 st trimester antenatal mothers. This will help lower the prevalence of candidiasis in pregnant mothers.