Uptake of Preconception Care and Its Determinants among Pregnant Women in Selected Secondary Health Facilities in Oyo State
Keywords:
Determinants, Preconception care, Pregnant Women, Secondary health facilities, uptakeAbstract
Preconception care (PCC) improves maternal and neonatal outcomes, yet its utilisation remains suboptimal. This study assessed the uptake of PCC and its determinants among pregnant women in selected secondary health facilities in Oyo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed. One hundred and ninety (190) pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the selected facilities were selected using proportional allocation. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess PCC uptake and determinants. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square test, binary and multivariate logistic regression). Statistical significance was determined at p<0.05. Findings revealed that 185 respondents participated in this study. Slightly over half of them (99, 53.5%) reported uptake of PCC. The most commonly accessed component was micronutrient supplementation 95(89.6%). Women with secondary education were less likely to uptake PCC than those with primary education (AOR=0.181, p=0.001). Higher uptake of PCC was associated with urban residence (AOR=3.018, p=0.009), history of family planning (AOR=2.438, p=0.036), pre-existing medical conditions (AOR=3.014, p=0.026), and adverse previous pregnancy outcomes (AOR=2.337, p=0.039). Good knowledge (COR=0.517, p=0.028) and positive attitude (COR=0.430, p=0.005) were significantly associated with uptake of PCC. Significant influencing factors included availability (χ²=4.939, p=0.026), affordability (χ²=5.151, p=0.023), accessibility (χ²=6.386, p=0.011), poor healthcare worker attitudes (χ²=7.476, p=0.006), insufficient time (χ²=6.794, p=0.009), and lack of awareness (χ²=4.048, p=0.044). The uptake of PCC was suboptimal, and it was influenced by individual, structural, and health system factors. Strengthening service availability, integrating PCC into routine maternal health services, and enhancing provider engagement may improve uptake and maternal-neonatal outcomes in Nigeria.
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