Knowledge and utilization of preconception care among women in selected community of Kathmandu

Authors

Keywords:

knowledge on preconception care, preconception care, women

Abstract

Introduction: Preconception care is a critical component of maternal and child health care services to reduce adverse outcomes of pregnancy and to improve desired health outcomes for women, new-born, and children by focusing on health promotion, screening, and interventions. This study aimed to find out the knowledge and utilization of preconception care among women.

Method: A cross-sectional design was carried out among women. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was adopted to select married women of reproductive age in Tokha municipality-10, Kathmandu. Data was collected using face-to-face structured interview. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Association among variables was measured by Kruskal–Wallis H test.

Result: More than half of the 200 women surveyed, 133 (66.5%) had average level of knowledge and 61 (30.5%) adequate and 6 (3%) inadequate level of knowledge regarding preconception care. Similarly, 196 (98%) had low utilization and 4 (2%) had high utilization level. There was statistically significant association between educational level of respondents with the level of knowledge (p=0.05) and their husband’s educational level (p=0.00). There was no significant association with age, type of family, occupation, monthly family income, number of pregnancy, history of abortion/still birth and age at first pregnancy.

 Conclusion: This study shows more than half of respondents had an average level of knowledge about preconception care whereas only 2% had high level of utilization of care.

Author Biography

Laxmi Devi Khanal, Norvic Institute of Nursing Education, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal

Lecturer, Norvic Institute of Nursing Education (affiliated to Purbanchal University), Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/jpahs.v7i2.31132



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Published

2020-09-15