Abstract
BackgroundPreconception care is one of the preventive strategies in maternal and new-born health as recommended by WHO. However, in sub-Saharan Africa there is poor preconception care practices. This study examined knowledge and perceptions of preconception care among health workers and women of reproductive age group in Mzuzu City, Malawi.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a mixed methods approach. Selection of respondents was done through a multistage and purposive sampling techniques respectively. A total of 253 women of reproductive age from nine townships of Mzuzu City responded to the questionnaire and 20 health workers were interviewed.ResultsA total of 136 (54%) respondents had heard of preconception care. About 57.7% (n = 146) demonstrated a good level of knowledge of preconception care while 42.3% (n = 107) had poor knowledge. About 72% (n = 105) of those with good of knowledge of preconception care, lacked awareness on possibilities of talking to a health care provider on intentions of getting pregnant. About 74.7% (n = 189) of women had a positive perception towards preconception care. Knowledge of preconception care was a good predictor of positive perception (AOR = 2.5; 95% CI 1.2–5.0), however its predictability was influenced by the academic level attained. Those with secondary (AOR = 10.2; 95% CI 3.2–26.2) and tertiary (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI 1.1–4.9) were more likely to have good knowledge of preconception care than those with primary school education level. About 95% (n = 19) of health workers lacked details about preconception care but they admitted their role in preconception care.ConclusionPreconception care practice among health workers and women of reproductive age in Mzuzu City was low. However there was positive perception towards preconception care in both parties. There is an opportunity in existing platforms for implementation of interventions targeting identified predictors for increased knowledge and uptake of preconception care.
Highlights
Preconception care is one of the preventive strategies in maternal and new-born health as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO)
In sub-Saharan Africa, there is poor preconception care practices which has resulted into high infant and maternal mortalities
This study examined the knowledge and perceptions of preconception care among health workers and women of reproductive age in order to provide evidence based outcomes for tailored interventions and policy direction
Summary
Preconception care is one of the preventive strategies in Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) and is considered to be feasible to both developed and developing worlds [1]. The emerging globalization health risk factors such as obesity and tobacco use among women is common in many countries from developed to developing countries; just focusing on perinatal, intrapartum and postnatal is not enough to reduce the infant and maternal mortality [2]. This is why preconception care should not be limited to developed and emerging economies. Making preconception care available can have trans-generational impact on some women; those who are aware of such opportunities and can access such services
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