Preconception care: What women know, think and do

Abstract

Preconception care are interventions that help in identifying maternal and fetal risk factors that could be prevented and managed in order to reduce materno-fetal morbidities and mortality. The study determined the predictors of knowledge, attitude, and practice of preconception care among women at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study conducted among 414 antenatal attendees using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0 with level of significant set at p<0.05. Above half of the respondents (59.9%) have a good knowledge and positive attitude 223(53.9%) towards preconception care while only 78(18.8%) practiced it. Predictors of good knowledge of preconception care were educational status (OR= 2.350, 95% CI= 1.18-4.70), occupation (OR=5.31, 95% CI=0.42-19.91) and (OR=2.63, 95% CI=0.36-5.10), age at first pregnancy (OR=0.15, 95% CI= 0.04-0.55) and history of contraception use (OR=2.15, 95% CI= 1.32-3.51). Marital status (OR=2.93, 95% CI= 1.04-8.29), occupation (OR=4.01, 95% CI= 1.09-14.79) and history of contraception use (OR=3.00, 95% CI= 1.90-4.72) determined their positive attitude. Factors predicting practice of preconception care were age (OR=0.52, 95% CI= 0.29-0.92), occupation (OR=6.22, 95% CI= 1.70-22.73) and age at first delivery (OR=0.12, 95% CI= 0.02-0.60). Occupation, level of education, age at first delivery, and history of contraception use predicted knowledge, attitude and practice of preconception care. Counseling and educating women on the importance of practicing preconception care will increase their uptake of the service and subsequently lead to reduction in the high maternal and infant morbidity and mortality in our environment. Key words: Preconception care, knowledge, attitude, uptake.