Women's knowledge and associated factors on preconception care at Public Health Institution in Hawassa City, South Ethiopia

Abstract

Objective: Preconception care is pivotal to improve pregnancy and birth outcome. It is vital for the future health of mother, her child and her family, which is routinely practice. The study aims to assess knowledge of preconception care and associated factors in post natal women at public health institution in Hawassa city, South Ethiopia. Results: In this study 20% (95% CI 16.9, 23.1) of post natal women at public health institution had a good level of knowledge on preconception care. Women who have secondary and above education level, urban residence, and have at least one ANC contact had significantly higher odds of good level of knowledge on preconception care. The finding of this study showed that level of women's knowledge towards preconception care to be low compared to other studies. Having at least one ANC contact, urban residence and having secondary and above education are predictors of knowledge on preconception care. It shall be beneficial if the city health administration, regional and national health authorities work towards improving the knowledge of mothers towards preconception care as well as routine provision of preconception care in the health care system.