1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Preconception care (PCC) has emerged as a critical public health strategy aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality by addressing health risks before conception. According to the World Health Organization (2013), preconception care involves a set of biomedical, behavioral, and social interventions delivered before pregnancy to improve health outcomes for both mother and child. In many developing countries, including Nigeria, reproductive health programs have traditionally focused on antenatal, delivery, and postnatal services, with limited attention paid to the preconception period. Dean et al. (2014) asserted that many women of reproductive age enter pregnancy without proper health evaluation or risk reduction, which often leads to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Similarly, Lassi et al. (2014) reported that inadequate preconception care contributes significantly to complications such as congenital anomalies, preterm births, and maternal deaths most of which are preventable through early interventions.
According to Ojukwu et al. (2020), the knowledge and utilization of preconception care among women in sub-Saharan Africa are still very low, largely due to poor awareness, cultural misconceptions, inadequate health education, and systemic health service limitations. They stated that many women are not aware of the importance of lifestyle changes, chronic disease management, or the need for medical checkups before becoming pregnant (Ojukwu et al., 2020).
Akanbiemu and Odu (2021) affirmed that education and socio-economic status play a significant role in the uptake of preconception services. Women with higher education levels and better access to healthcare information are more likely to understand and practice PCC. They reported that rural women and those with limited formal education often lack both the knowledge and means to seek preconception services. Studies have shown that misconceptions about fertility, lack of spousal support, and fear of stigmatization contribute to the poor practice of preconception care. Okonofua et al. (2019) reported that some women delay seeking medical attention until they are pregnant due to cultural beliefs that discourage early health inquiries related to childbearing (Okonofua et al., 2019).
Preconception care (PCC) according to World Health Organization (2013) refers to a set of preventive, promotive, and curative health services provided to women and couples before conception occurs. Its primary goal is to improve health status and reduce behaviors and individual and environmental factors that contribute to poor maternal and child health outcomes (World Health Organization [WHO], 2013). The reproductive years, defined as the age range between 15 and 49 years, represent a critical window for introducing and sustaining interventions that promote maternal and neonatal well-being. During this phase, women are biologically capable of conceiving, and their health status significantly influences pregnancy outcomes. However, many women enter pregnancy with unaddressed health conditions, such as anemia, diabetes, or hypertension, and are often exposed to risk factors such as tobacco use, poor nutrition, or untreated infections (Dean et al., 2014).
In Nigeria and many other low- and middle-income countries, the concept and practice of preconception care remain poorly understood and underutilized. Cultural practices, limited health education, poor access to quality healthcare services, and lack of awareness among both healthcare providers and women contribute to the low uptake of PCC services (Akanbiemu & Odu, 2021). The importance of improving women's knowledge and practice of preconception care cannot be overstated. Empowering women with accurate information and timely access to care before pregnancy has been proven to enhance pregnancy planning, reduce adverse outcomes, and promote healthier future generations (UNDP, 2015). Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the knowledge and practice of preconception care among women of reproductive age.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that many women within the reproductive age bracket (15–49 years) often initiate healthcare only after becoming pregnant, thereby missing crucial preconception opportunities that could mitigate risks to both maternal and fetal health. This reactive approach to healthcare is fueled by limited awareness, poor health-seeking behavior, cultural beliefs, and inadequate integration of preconception services into routine reproductive healthcare (Okonofua et al., 2019). As a result, preventable complications such as maternal morbidity, neonatal defects, and low birth weight persist at alarming rates.
Additionally, socio-economic challenges such as low income, low educational levels, and limited access to healthcare facilities hinder women from engaging in preventive health behaviors, including preconception care practices. The existing gap in knowledge and practice of preconception care is not only a public health concern but also a missed opportunity for improving the overall well-being of women and their future children. Women deserve access to information and services that empower them to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Furthermore, healthcare providers themselves may have insufficient training or awareness about the importance of preconception care, which limits their ability to provide relevant counseling and interventions (Akanbiemu et al., 2021). The lack of national policy emphasis and structured PCC programs further compounds the problem, leaving women uninformed about the necessary steps to take before conceiving. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to assess the knowledge and practice of preconception care among women of reproductive age (15–49 years).
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to assess the level of knowledge and practice of preconception care among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) and to examine the factors influencing their use of preconception services. It also seeks to identify the barriers to the adoption of preconception care and provide recommendations to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the knowledge and practice of preconception care among women of reproductive age (15–49 years). In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To assess the level of awareness of preconception care among women of reproductive age.
- To evaluate the extent to which women of reproductive age practice preconception care.
- To identify the factors influencing the knowledge and practice of preconception care.
- To determine the barriers that limit access to and use of preconception care services.
- To recommend strategies for improving knowledge and uptake of preconception care.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the level of awareness of preconception care among women of reproductive age?
- To what extent do women of reproductive age practice preconception care?
- What factors influence the knowledge and practice of preconception care among women?
- What are the barriers limiting the use of preconception care services among women?
- What strategies can be employed to improve the knowledge and utilization of preconception care?
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