Increasing awareness of danger signs in pregnancy through community- and clinic-based education in Guatemala.

Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness of a set of information, education, and communication (IEC) strategies designed to increase the awareness of danger signs in pregnancy, delivery, or the postpartum period among pregnant or recently pregnant women.

Methods: Three IEC programs were implemented in 4 regions of southwestern Guatemala between April 1997 and May 1998: (1) a clinic-based program involving the training of health providers in prenatal counseling and the provision of educational media to clients; (2) a community-based strategy consisting of radio messages regarding obstetric complications; and (3) educational sessions conducted through women's groups. Three surveys were conducted.