Knowledge and attitudes of young women regarding preconception health-An Italian survey

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Preconception care is a public health issue, concerning aspects that could have repercussions on pregnancy or child's health. Despite the importance, often there is a lack of knowledge among women, especially younger ones, who are at higher risk for unplanned pregnancies and less healthy lifestyles. In this context, the aim of this study is to explore knowledge and attitudes of young women regarding preconception health. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2020 until April 2021, including women 18 to 25 years old. A questionnaire was created based on a systematic review and was shared via social media and different channels of high schools and universities. It collected information on physical, reproductive and mental health, vaccination and lifestyle (diet, smoke, alcohol, physical activity). T-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to determine if there was a statistically significant difference in knowledge mean score among different groups. Results A total of 337 women answered the questionnaire. 47.5% of participants had never heard of preconception health and 84% had never asked their gynaecologist/general practitioner about this topic. Only 15.9% of women were currently taking folic acid. The knowledge mean score was 67.5% (SD = 18.1). It was higher in subjects with Italian nationality (p < 0.001), those who had a job (p < 0.001), and those that had healthcare professionals as main font of preconception information compared to social media (p = 0.001). Knowledge mean score was significantly associated with seeing a mental health professional (p = 0.0006), however not a general practitioner or gynaecologist, during the last year. Discussion Identifying preconception health needs of women could assist in designing and implementing personalized interventions, to enhance the level of knowledge and promote healthy behaviours, in order to prevent eventual woman's and child's health problems. Key messages Women 18-25 years in the sample had relatively poor knowledge on preconception health, almost half had never heard of this topic and the vast majority had never asked their doctor about it. There is a need to enhance the level of knowledge and promote healthy behaviours and attitudes regarding preconception health, to prevent eventual woman’s and child’s health problems.