Knowledge and Perceptions of Preconception Care Among Health Workers and Women of Reproductive Age in Mzuzu City, Malawi. A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Preconception care is one of the preventive strategies in maternal and new-born health as recommended by WHO. However, in sub-Saharan Africa there is poor preconception care practices. This study examined knowledge and perceptions of preconception care among health workers and women of reproductive age group in Mzuzu city, Malawi. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional mixed methods approach utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods was employed. Selection of respondents was done through a multistage and purposive sampling techniques. A total of 253 women of reproductive age from 9 townships of Mzuzu City responded to the questionnaire and 20 health workers were interviewed.Results: Of the 253 women, 57.7% (n =146) demonstrated a good level of knowledge of preconception care while 42.3 % (n =107) had poor knowledge level. About 72% (n =105) of those with good level of knowledge lacked awareness on possibilities of talking to a health care provider on intentions of getting pregnant. About 74.7 % (n =189) of women had a positive perception towards preconception care. Knowledge level of women was a good predictor of positive perception (AOR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.215 – 5.023), however its prediction capacity varied with the academic level attained. Those with secondary (AOR =10.2; 95% CI = 3.285 - 26.276) and tertiary (AOR=2.3; 95% CI = 1.146 – 4.952) were more likely to have good knowledge than those with primary school level education. About 95% (n =19) of health workers lacked details about preconception care but they admitted their role in preconception care.Conclusion: Preconception care practice among health workers and women of reproductive age in Mzuzu City is low but there is positive perception towards preconception care among both parties. There is an opportunity in existing platforms for implementation of interventions targeting identified predictors for increased knowledge and uptake of preconception care.

The Behavior of Women of Reproductive Age in Preconception Care Practices in Surabaya

“…Conversely, if a person has a low level of education, it will hamper the development of the person's attitude towards receiving information and newly introduced values. Munthali-Nkoma (2021) concludes that educational level is associated with knowledge about preconception care (8). This is in line with Ayalew (2016) that a low level of education influences the awareness to carry out preconception care so that it affects the preconception care behavior (9).…”

Factors influencing the Delivery of Preconception Care Services among Nursing and Midwifery Students at Aga Khan University, Kenya

“…Additionally, insufficient opportunities for ongoing training and professional development in PCC leave practicing nurses and midwives lacking the necessary skills and knowledge for effective service delivery (Munthali-Nkhoma et al, 2021). Ambiguity regarding the primary cadre responsible for PCC delivery leads to confusion and fragmented care, while determining the ideal healthcare settings for PCC remains challenging due to the absence of clear guidelines, resulting in inconsistent service provision (Bhatta et al, 2021).…”

“…Ambiguity regarding the primary cadre responsible for PCC delivery leads to confusion and fragmented care, while determining the ideal healthcare settings for PCC remains challenging due to the absence of clear guidelines, resulting in inconsistent service provision (Bhatta et al, 2021). In Malawi, the absence of policy guidelines on PCC within public healthcare institutions and inadequate coverage of PCC in university curricula contribute to knowledge disparities among healthcare cadres, highlighting the need for standardized training content (Munthali-Nkhoma et al, 2021). In Kenya, existing studies focus on women and couples utilizing PCC services, with limited research exploring the knowledge and PCC delivery modalities among healthcare providers.…”