Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among Palestinian Mothers Attending the Governmental Primary Health Care Centers Regarding Preconception Care Services

Abstract

Background: Preconception care considers the backbone for safe pregnancy and childbirth outcomes. Therefore, early preconception care provided by healthcare professionals before pregnancy is crucial in reducing childbirth morbidity and mortality rates. This study aims to assess mothers' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about preconception care at governmental primary health care clinics in the Gaza Strip. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in seven primary health care centers and data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire (including 3-point Likert Scale). A convenience sample of 372 mothers aged from 16 to 49 years, and who visit governmental clinics as a routine follow-up were selected. Results: The overall level of mothers' knowledge was 60% (moderate] with μ = 1.80. A positive attitude was reported among mothers and the overall level was 71% (p. = 2.13) and the overall level of practices regarding preconception care was 59% with μ = 1.77. Further, the highest level of knowledge (75%) was reported about the importance of eating a well-balanced diet and folic acid intake (n = 2.25), and most mothers showed a high attitude level in terms of the importance of consultation at the preconception period [μ = 2.26). Conclusion: In Gaza Strip, mothers have fair knowledge and attitude levels but low level of practice regarding preconception care which shows that there is an opportunity in existing circumstances for the implementation of interventions targeting predictors for increased knowledge and uptake of preconception care.