Knowledge and Attitude towards Preconception Care and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women at General and Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals of East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia.

knowledge and attitude towards preconception care

Abstract

Back ground: Preconception care is the provision of biomedical, behavioral, and social health interventions to women and couples before the occurrence of conception to improve their health status. However, little is known about knowledge and attitudes towards preconception care among pregnant women. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge and attitude towards preconception care and associated factors among pregnant women in East Gojjam zone general and specialized hospitals, Ethiopia, 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the levels of knowledge and attitude towards preconception care and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in general and   comprehensive specialized hospitals of East Gojjam zone   , North West, Ethiopia, 2024.

Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in east Gojjam zone general and comprehensive specialized hospitals, from October 1 to November 10, 2024. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select a total of 423 pregnant women who attending antenatal care.  Data were collected using pre-tested and structured questionnaires through face-to-face interviews. Data were entered in to EPI data version 4.6 then exported to SPSS version 27 for analysis. Bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression was done to identify factors associated with knowledge and attitude of pre-conception care.  A p -value < 0.05 with 95 % CI was considered as statistically significant.

Result: This study revealed that 37% and 60.1%) of pregnant women had adequate levels of knowledge and favorable attitude towards preconception care respectively. Preexisting medical diseases (AOR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.26, 4.3), prior awareness (AOR: 9.8; 95% CI: 8.45, 17.59), previous history of still birth (AOR: 3.47; 95% CI: 1.08, 11.1) were significantly associated with knowledge of preconception care.  furthermore preexisting medical diseases (AOR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.27 , 4.76 ), family planning users  (AOR: 1.83 ; 95% CI: 1.13, 2.96 ),  previous history of abortion (AOR;2.11;95% CI:1.05,4.22), urban residences (AOR:3.05 ;95% CI:1.59, 5.87), and knowledge of preconception care  (AOR:2.99 ;95% CI:1.66 ,5.38 )  were significantly associated with  a favorable attitude towards preconception care.

Conclusion and recommendation: The findings of this study revealed that more than half of pregnant women’s (63%) had inadequate knowledge on preconception care. However, more than half (60.1%) of pregnant women had a favorable attitude towards preconception care. This can be improved through training, targeted awareness campaigns and educational programs should be implemented, and integrating preconception care into the maternal health and family planning services. Community engagement and partner involvement should be strengthened to enhance support. 

Key words:  preconception care, pregnant women, knowledge, attitude, Ethiopia.