Using the Mother and Child Healthcare Handbook in the Field of Education

― In the study of nursing in home economics education ―

Abstract

  In Japan, there is a mother and child healthcare handbook which provides information on child-rearing. It was introduced sixty years ago. Our research is based on the practical usage of the handbook, which features a “Memory” function and a “Guidance” function. The “Memory” function, which is well-known, includes information about vaccinations and periodic health examinations, but the “Guidance” function is not used enough. The value of the “Memory” function is that it helps students to imagine themselves in the future. The value of the “Guidance” section is that it provides information and educational material on nursing. The handbook is a useful guide book as it contain a wealth of information on mother and child healthcare.