Maternal health literacy programmes to improve self-care of pregnant women in Africa: A scoping review
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Midwives are uniquely positioned to implement health literacy programmes, yet there is limited synthesis of existing midwife-led health literacy programmes for pregnant women in Africa. This scoping review maps the evidence on health literacy programmes to improve the self-care of pregnant women in Africa. Eight articles, published between 2015 and 2025, were included across African countries from six electronic databases, such as MEDLINE and one search engine: Google Scholar. Maternal health literacy programmes varied in mode of delivery, duration, components, and outcomes. Most programmes used a group antenatal care model, a combination of face-to-face and digital health tools, and focused on improving functional, interactive, and critical health literacy. Maternal health literacy programmes in African countries seem to be under-researched. More research is needed to strengthen the outcomes of programmes such as usability and acceptability, knowledge and awareness, and clinical outcomes. In addition, longer-term research is necessary to assess the implementation and sustained impact of these programmes.
Institution: University of the Western Cape
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7166141763
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