Maternal Health Literacy in Pregnant Women: A Concept Analysis

Maternal health literacy (MHL) plays a vital role in pregnancy outcomes, healthcare researchers should further analyze, refine, and develop this concept. This study aims to clarify the definition of MHL in pregnant women through a analysis of the concept.

Walker and Avant’s concept analysis approach was used to analyze the concept of MHL. A search of the literature was completed using the databases PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science (WOS), and the Science and Technology Index (SINTA) for years 2001–2021; literature search included grey literature, publications from the government and academic institutions, and available both in English and Indonesia. A total of 12 articles were reviewed.

MHL is a multifaceted and comprehensive concept. This study presents a working definition of MHL during pregnancy as the skills enabling women to access, comprehend, evaluate, and apply health information related to pregnancy, which are necessary for making decisions for improving and maintaining both maternal and fetal health. Guided by Walker and Avant’s method, the major attributes and outcomes are determined in this study.

Healthcare professionals can utilize this analysis to familiarize their institutions with the MHL concept, emphasize its importance, and apply it to practice. This contributes to enhancing the body of knowledge on MHL and potentially improving maternal health outcomes.