A study was conducted on the knowledge, attitude and practices of preconception care among women of reproductive age in Techo Parish, Layibi Division, Gulu Municipality. The general objective was to establish the knowledge, attitude and practices of preconception care among women of reproductive age.
The specific objectives were; to assess knowledge about preconception care among women of reproductive age, to establish attitude on preconception care among women of reproductive age and to assess practices on preconception care among women of reproductive age. The study design used was a cross-sectional study design. This was because one study object could be studied at one point of time. Sample size 146 women of reproductive age were considered, random simple sampling technique was used, data collection tool was questionnaire and data presentation, interpretation and analysis was through computer using SPSS version 20.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction.
1.1 Background.
1.2 Statement of the Problem.
1.3 Objectives.
1.3.1 General Objective
1.3.2 Specific Objectives
1.4 Research Questions.
1.5 Scope of the Study.
1.6 Significance of the study
1.7 Justification of the study.
1.8 Conceptual Frame Work.
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Preconception Care among women.
2.1 Knowledge about Preconception Care.
2.2 Attitude towards Preconception Care.
2.3 Practices on Preconception Care.
3.0 Introduction.
3.1 Study Design
3.2 Study area
3.3 Study populations
3.4 Selection criteria
3.4.1 Inclusion criteria:
3.4.2 Exclusion criteria:
3.5 Sample size estimation
3.6 Sampling procedure
3.8 Data collection tool.
3.9 Data collection procedure
3.10 Data management and storage.
3.9 Data Presentation, Interpretation and Analysis.
3.10 Quality control
3.10.1 Pre-visiting
3.10.2 Research assistants
3.10.3 Pre-testing
3.11 Ethical considerations.
3.11.1 Informed consent
3.11.2 Confidentiality
3.13 Dissemination of results
3.14 Study limitation
4.1 Introduction.
4.2. Demographic Characteristics of Respondents.
4.3: Knowledge of preconception care.
4.4 Attitudes towards preconception care.
4.5 Practices on preconception care.
4.6: The Outcome Score variable Categories.
5.0 Introduction.
5.1 Discussion of Results.
5.1.1 Demographic Data
5.1.2 Knowledge of Preconception Care.
5.1.3 Women’s Attitude of Preconception Care.
5.1.4 Practices of Preconception Care
5.2 Conclusion.
5.3 Recommendations.
Research Objectives and Focus Areas
This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding preconception care among women of reproductive age in Techo Parish, Gulu Municipality, Uganda, to identify gaps that contribute to poor maternal and fetal health outcomes and to inform potential service improvement strategies.
- Assessment of current knowledge levels regarding preconception care among the target population.
- Evaluation of attitudes towards preconception healthcare services and screening.
- Analysis of existing practices and barriers to the uptake of preconception care.
- Examination of the impact of socio-demographic factors on preconception health-seeking behavior.
- Formulation of recommendations to enhance maternal and child health through improved awareness and accessibility.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background.
Preconception care (PCC) is the provision of biomedical, behavioral and social health intervention to women and couples before the occurrence of conception and aims at improving their health status, and reducing behaviors and individual and environmental factors that contribute to poor maternal and health outcomes (WHO 2013).
It is imperative that preconception care is seen as an earlier opportunity, not just for family planning or to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, but also to improve long-term outcomes for adolescent girls, women and children.
In terms of prevention, preconception care is primary prevention for the future baby and secondary prevention for prospective mothers (DeWeger FJ,et al 2011).Preconception care is important to reduce several risk behaviors and exposures that can affect fetal development and subsequent outcomes.(Hood JR,Parker C,Atrash HK 2007).Therefore, it should be planned to address reproductive system problems, to reduce environmental hazards, toxins and medications that are known teratogens, to promote nutrition and folic acid intake, to advise on weight management to detect problems related to genetic conditions, family history, substances, chronic diseases and infectious diseases, to advise on vaccinations, family planning, psychosocial concern, domestic violence, and housing.
Despite the interventions in place, progress in maternal and child health outcomes over the last 20 years had been slow globally. Studies showed that less than 1/3rd of women of childbearing age visited the health institutions and speak with a health care provider prior to pregnancy about their health status and its potential impact on pregnancy outcome. (WHO 2013).
Summary of Chapters
1.0 Introduction.: Provides the research background, statement of the problem, and outlines the objectives and significance of the study regarding preconception care.
2.0 Introduction: Reviews relevant literature and prior research findings concerning knowledge, attitudes, and practices of preconception care globally and regionally.
3.0 Introduction.: Describes the cross-sectional study design, population, sampling procedures, data collection tools, and ethical considerations used for this research.
4.1 Introduction.: Presents the collected demographic data and analysis of findings regarding the respondents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores.
5.0 Introduction.: Discusses the research findings, offers conclusions, and provides recommendations to improve the awareness and uptake of preconception care services.
Keywords
Preconception care, reproductive age, maternal health, fetal health, health awareness, knowledge, attitudes, practices, antenatal care, family planning, healthcare service utilization, unintended pregnancy, Gulu Municipality, public health, risk assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women of reproductive age in Techo Parish, Gulu Municipality, regarding preconception care.
What are the core research objectives?
The study aims to establish the extent of knowledge about preconception care, determine attitudes toward such care, and assess the actual practices among women of reproductive age in the study area.
What is the central research question?
The research asks what the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and actual practices are among women of reproductive age in Techo Parish concerning preconception healthcare.
Which scientific methodology was employed?
The researcher used a cross-sectional study design, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data via questionnaires from 146 respondents selected through simple random sampling.
What topics are explored in the findings?
The study covers socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge regarding behavioral changes and screening conditions, attitudes toward partner involvement and family planning, and current practices in preconception care.
Which key terms characterize this study?
Key terms include preconception care, maternal health, unintended pregnancy, reproductive age, and health service utilization.
Why is preconception care considered a crucial opportunity in this study?
The author argues that preconception care is an essential intervention to identify and modify biomedical and social risks before conception, thereby significantly improving both maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
What main conclusion did the researcher reach?
The study concluded that while there is some awareness, many women still possess inadequate knowledge and demonstrate poor practices, which are significantly influenced by their level of education and previous experiences with pregnancy.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Latim Olam (Autor:in), 2018, Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Preconception Care among Women of Reproductive Age at Techo Parish, Layibi Divison, Gulu Municipality, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1513200
