The effect of a video intervention on knowledge, awareness and perception of Natural Procreative Technology (NaProTechnology) among pharmacy undergraduate students in Nigeria

Background

Natural Procreative Technology (NaProTechnology) is a system of management of infertility and other reproductive health issues which requires the application of a woman’s observation and record of key events throughout her menstrual cycle.

Objectives

The study assessed the knowledge, awareness, and perception of NaProTechnology as well as the effect of an educational intervention among pharmacy undergraduate students at University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Methods

It was a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study. The ethical approval was obtained from the research ethics committee of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. At baseline, the knowledge, awareness and perception of the students were assessed. Followed by the administration of an educational video on NaProTechnology. Then a post intervention survey was done to assess the effect of the educational intervention.

Key findings

There were 410 and 350 students in the preand post-intervention surveys respectively with relatively equal number of males and females. Majority were between 18 and 29 years old. Less than 5% were married while the highest proportion of the respondents were from 300 level The knowledge, awareness, and positive perception of NaProTechnology among the pharmacy students prior to intervention were poor but improved markedly post intervention (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

A video intervention was effective in improving the short-term knowledge, awareness and positive perception of NaProTechnology among pharmacy students.

Key messages

What is already known on this topic?

Natural Procreative Technology (NaProTechnology) is a system of management of infertility based on the observation and record of fertility biomarkers by a woman.

What this study adds?

The level of knowledge, awareness, and positive perception of NaProTechnology among the pharmacy undergraduates students were poor prior to a video intervention but improved markedly afterwards

How this study might affect research, practice or policy?

This study would lead to the public health system approach of informing, educating and communicating NaProTechnology to pharmacy students to achieve long-term effects by using well-designed courses and curriculum implementation.