Implementation of POLTEKKES Aceh-DJJ (POLAC-D) for Maternal and Fetal Well-Being in Midwifery Services at Langsa Lama Health Center, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Prenatal visits play a crucial role in the early detection of pregnancy complications, significantly reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. These visits provide vital information about warning signs and care for potential complications, thereby contributing to lower maternal mortality rates. One important aspect of monitoring is the assessment of fetal heart rate (FHR), which indicates fetal well-being. The Poltekkes Aceh-DJJ (PolAc-D) is a tool designed for monitoring fetal well-being through FHR. This study aimed to implement the PolAc-D tool to improve maternal and fetal health services in the working area of the Health Center Langsa Lama.

Methods: Using a Mixed Method Research approach, the study employed a Cross-Sectional design with a One Group Pretest-Posttest technique. The population included all midwives in the Puskesmas Langsa Lama area. Variables assessed included midwives' knowledge, skills, behavior, and attitudes toward providing prenatal care, measured through checklists, interviews, and questionnaires. Data analysis utilized both Parametric (Paired T-test) and Non-Parametric (Wilcoxon Test) methods.

Results: Results indicated significant improvements: midwives' knowledge scores increased from 8.05 to 12.37 (p-value = 0.000), skills improved from 43.79 to 83.53 (p-value = 0.000), behavior scores rose from 6.39 to 12.08 (p-value = 0.000), and attitudes increased from 6.50 to 12.08 (p-value = 0.000). These findings suggest that the implementation of the PolAc-D tool effectively enhances midwives' competencies in delivering prenatal care, thus fostering better maternal and fetal health outcomes.

Conclusions: Prenatal visits and the use of the Poltekkes Aceh-DJJ (PolAc-D) tool for monitoring fetal heart rate (FHR) significantly enhance midwives' competencies in providing prenatal care. The results indicate improvements in midwives' knowledge, skills, behavior, and attitudes.