Preconception Care Patterns and Some Related Factors in Pregnant Women in Gorgan in 2017

Abstract

Background: Preconception care is an opportunity to change unhealthy behaviors which in turn reduces unplanned pregnancy and plays an important role in reducing maternal and infant mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the level of preconception care and its related factors in pregnant women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 394 pregnant women referred to Gorgan health centers in 2017. Samples were selected by multi-stage stratified sampling method from Gorgan health centers in Golestan province. Data was gathered using self-report questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using chi-square test, Fisher's exact, and Kruskal-Wallis tests in SPSS-16. The P-value less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: 32.7% of women were received complete preconception care and 17.8% had no prepregnancy care. Only 44.2% of women used folic acid daily since the first trimester of pregnancy. Most of pregnant women (63.7%) performed triple screening laboratory test (FBS, CBC, TSH). Preconception care was more successful in mothers with higher level of education (P<0.001), having health insurance (P <0.001), history of disease (P=0.027), higher family income (P=0.044), and nulliparity (P = 0.049).

Mothers’ utilization and associated factors of preconception care in Africa, a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Researchers reported in their studies that 17.5% and 32% of pregnant mothers who were referred to healthcare centers had received prepregnancy care. Similarly, the findings of the studies conducted by Asresu and Betra 18.2% and 29.7% of people seek pre-pregnancy care programs [12][13][14][15]. In another study conducted by Frey and Files in Mayo clinic [16] found that only 39% of the women received PCC from their primary care physicians compared to 98.6% who believed in its importance.…”

Clinical cause of neonatal mortality in Iran: analysis of the national Iranian Maternal And Neonatal network

“…A study in the north of Iran reported the full coverage of prepregnancy care to be 32.7% in 2017. 15 Thus, we emphasised on prepregnancy care. On the other hand, since 99% of childbirths in Iran take place in health facilities (2020), 16 a proper use of antenatal corticosteroids in preterm deliveries 12 and timely administration of surfactant in preterm babies 14 can help lower the respiratory problems in these newborns.…”

“…The antenatal corticosteroids also increase the survival of the newborns. 15 A proper use of this medication according to defined indications can prevent RDS and thus prevent the death of the newborn due to RDS. 14 Production of a domestic pulmonary surfactant named Beraksurf in Iran (2019) 17 assures that all hospitals have access to a sufficient amount of this medication.…”

“… 20 However, the consumption of folic acid in some areas may not be optimal. 15 Providing access to tests and sonographic screenings can be helpful in this regard by identifying the problematic pregnancies and then the timely termination of it. 21 In countries with a higher rate of neonatal mortality, the major cause of death is infection (including sepsis/pneumonia, tetanus and diarrhoea), and as we look at countries with lower NMR, the rate of prematurity and malformation becomes lower.…”

“…A study in China showed that the rate of survival and living without complications was 8% in infants with GA of 25 weeks and 60% in those with GA of 26 weeks. 15 Generally, the survival rate is correlated with GA, so the lower the GA, the lower the chance of survival. 12 On the other hand, those preterm babies who survive spend a long time in a hospital and make huge costs for their family and in general for the health system.…”