Exploring Factors Associated with Non-Implementation of Preconception Care at Agogo Presbyterian Hospital: The Perspectives of Healthcare Providers and Hospital Administrative Managers

Abstract

Maternal mortality remains a global concern. The World Health Organization recommends Preconception care (PCC) to mitigate risk factors, enhance women’s health before pregnancy, and reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes. Nevertheless, implementing PCC within maternal healthcare services remains a challenge. The study aimed to explore factors that contribute to the non-implementation of PCC interventions in Agogo Presbyterian Hospital. In a qualitative research approach, thirteen (13) participants were purposefully selected, including healthcare professionals and hospital administrative managers who met the inclusion criteria, for individual in-depth interviews. These interviews were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Six (6) themes emerged from the interviews: meaning and value of preconception care, individual, intrapersonal, community, and health institutional level challenges, and suggestions for implementation. Insufficient knowledge about PCC among healthcare providers and the target population was identified as a primary barrier. The multifaceted set of challenges revealed by this qualitative study recommends the development of PCC guidelines, training of healthcare providers, and community awareness campaigns to address the knowledge gap to support PCC implementation as part of maternal healthcare services. Conclusion: The challenges to PCC implementation are multifaceted, and addressing these barriers requires coordinated efforts from policymakers and healthcare institutions to strengthen PCC delivery within maternal healthcare services, thereby optimising women’s health before conception and contributing to a reduction in maternal mortality.