ABSTRACT

Background: It is widely accepted that community-based interventions are vital strategies towards reduction of maternal and neonatal mortalities in developing countries. This study has aimed at finding the effectiveness of a Community-Based Continuous Training (CBCT) project, on improving birth preparedness, male involvement and maternal services utilization in rural Tanzania. Method: The quasi-experimental study design with control was adopted to determine the effectiveness of CBCT project. The study was conducted from June 2017 until March 2018. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to obtain 561 couples. Pre-test and end-line information were collected using semi-structured questionnaires. The effectiveness of the intervention was determined by using independent t-test and paired t-test. The effect size was calculated using Cohen’s d. Linear and logistic regression models were used to test the predictors of change. Results: At the end-line, knowledge mean scores were significantly higher in the intervention group among both pregnant women and their male partners as compared to control group. The predictors of change in knowledge scores among pregnant women were the CBCT project (β=0.346, p