Utilization of Preconception Care and Associated Factors among Women of Reproductive Ages in Southwest, Nigeria
Keywords:
Preconception care, maternal health, neonatal health, pregnancy outcomes, NigeriaAbstract
This study investigated the utilization of preconception care (PCC) among women of reproductive age in Southwest Nigeria, a region with high maternal and perinatal mortality rates. Preconception care is a critical intervention aimed at addressing health risks before conception, thereby improving pregnancy outcomes. Using a cross-sectional design, this study examined the prevalence of PCC utilization, the services accessed, and factors influencing uptake. The findings revealed that 29.2% of respondents utilized PCC services, with physical health assessments and health history screenings being the most commonly accessed. However, 70.8% of women reported never utilizing PCC, indicating a significant gap in engagement. Key determinants of PCC utilization included age and cultural barriers. Women aged 20–24 years were less likely to utilize PCC than those aged 15–19 (AoR=0.322, C.I=0.133–0.783, p=0.012). Furthermore, women who perceived no cultural barriers to PCC were less likely to access these services than those who identified such barriers (AoR=0.518, C.I=0.335–0.801, p=0.003). Socio-demographic factors such as marital status, age at marriage, employment status, parity, number of children, and intention to have more children were also significant at the bivariate level. These findings underscored the need for targeted interventions to raise awareness, address cultural perceptions, and integrate PCC into routine healthcare services. Enhancing access to PCC can significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health and well-being.
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