Factors Associated with the Uptake of Preconception Services Among Women in- Fertility Age within the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality

Abstract

Background: Preconception services are interventions provided for women and couples prior to conception with the aim of improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. Uptake of this service is poor in many developing countries which already have bad maternal and neonatal figures. Objective: The general objective of this study is to assess knowledge on preconception care services, uptake, and associated factors among women in fertility age within the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality. Method: This is a community based cross-sectional study of 281 women in fertility age within the Tarkwa-Nsuaem municipality. Simple random sampling was employed to recruit study participants. WIFA were recruited over a period from November 1st to December 30th 2022. A pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used for data collection, with face to face interviews. Data was cleaned and analysis done using Stata 16.0. Bivariable and Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with uptake. P values less than 0.05 was considered significant at 95% confidence level. Results: The study found the uptake of preconception care to be 17.4% and that 37.7% of the women had adequate or good knowledge of preconception care services. Adequate knowledge of preconception care services was found to be positively associated with uptake of preconception care. (AOR) = 0.02; 95% (0.00, 0.19); p<0.001]. Conclusions: There is a low uptake and poor knowledge of preconception care services. Adequate knowledge of preconception care was positively associated with uptake of preconception services. It is therefore imperative for healthcare staff to increase education on PCC and integrate this service into other services.