ABSTRACT

This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning preconception care among women of reproductive age in the Buea Health District. Preconception care plays a crucial role in promoting maternal and child health outcomes by addressing risk factors and optimizing health status before pregnancy. However, there is limited understanding of the KAP of preconception care among women in the Buea Health District. Through a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews, data were collected from women of reproductive age residing in the district. Key aspects examined include knowledge of preconception care, attitudes towards its importance, and actual practices adopted by women in preparation for pregnancy. Findings from this study are expected to provide insights into areas of strength and areas needing improvement in preconception care awareness and implementation. Keywords: preconception care, reproductive age, women’s health, knowledge, attitudes, practices, Buea Health District..

Chapter One: Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Preconception care, defined as health promotion and interventions to identify and modify biomedical, behavioral, and social risks to a woman’s health or pregnancy outcome through prevention and management (Johnson et al., 2006), has gained increasing recognition as a vital component of maternal and child health services. The period before conception offers a critical window of opportunity to optimize maternal health, address risk factors, and improve pregnancy outcomes (Dean et al., 2005). Despite its importance, preconception care remains underutilized, particularly in low-resource settings where access to healthcare services may be limited (Dean et al., 2012).

The Buea Health District, located in the Southwest Region of Cameroon, faces unique challenges related to maternal and child health, including high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes promoting preconception care to improve maternal and child health outcomes (Kyu et al., 2013). However, limited research has been conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of preconception care among women of reproductive age in this region.

Understanding the KAP of preconception care among women is essential for developing targeted interventions and promoting informed decision-making regarding reproductive health. Previous studies have highlighted gaps in women’s knowledge and awareness of preconception care, as well as misconceptions and cultural beliefs that may influence their health-seeking behaviors (Agborsangaya et al., 2010). Furthermore, socio-economic factors, including education level, income, and access to healthcare services, may impact women’s ability to access and utilize preconception care services effectively (Curtis et al., 2015).

Moreover, cultural norms and gender roles may influence women’s autonomy and decision-making regarding their health, including reproductive health choices (Adeniran et al., 2017). In the context of the Buea Health District, where cultural practices and beliefs may shape health behaviors, understanding the socio-cultural determinants of preconception care is crucial for designing culturally sensitive interventions that resonate with the local population.

Evidence suggests that promoting preconception care can lead to improved pregnancy outcomes, reduced maternal and neonatal mortality, and long-term health benefits for women and their children (Johnson et al., 2006). Therefore, addressing gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices of preconception care among women of reproductive age in the Buea Health District has the potential to contribute significantly to improving maternal and child health outcomes in the region.

By conducting a comprehensive assessment of the KAP of preconception care among women, this study aims to identify areas for intervention and develop evidence-based strategies to promote preconception care utilization. By addressing barriers to access, improving awareness, and addressing socio-cultural factors influencing preconception care practices, stakeholders can work towards achieving better maternal and child health outcomes in the Buea Health District.

Problem Statement

Preconception care represents a critical component of maternal and child health services, offering opportunities to optimize health outcomes for women and their offspring. Despite its recognized importance, the utilization of preconception care services remains suboptimal, particularly in resource-limited settings such as the Buea Health District in Cameroon. This is concerning given the significant impact that preconception health status can have on pregnancy outcomes, including maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality (Dean et al., 2005).

Limited research has been conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of preconception care among women of reproductive age in the Buea Health District. Understanding the gaps and challenges in preconception care utilization is crucial for developing targeted interventions and promoting informed decision-making regarding reproductive health (Agborsangaya et al., 2010). Furthermore, disparities in access to healthcare services, socio-economic factors, and cultural beliefs may exacerbate barriers to accessing preconception care services in this region (Curtis et al., 2015).

The Buea Health District faces unique challenges related to maternal and child health, including high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes promoting preconception care to improve maternal and child health outcomes (Kyu et al., 2013). However, without a thorough understanding of the factors influencing preconception care utilization among women in this context, efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes may be hindered.

Furthermore, socio-cultural norms and gender roles may influence women’s autonomy and decision-making regarding their health, including reproductive health choices (Adeniran et al., 2017). In the context of the Buea Health District, where cultural practices and beliefs may shape health behaviors, understanding the socio-cultural determinants of preconception care utilization is crucial for designing culturally sensitive interventions that resonate with the local population.

By addressing gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices of preconception care among women of reproductive age in the Buea Health District, this study aims to contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies to promote preconception care utilization. Through targeted interventions aimed at improving awareness, addressing socio-cultural barriers, and enhancing access to preconception care services, stakeholders can work towards achieving better maternal and child health outcomes in the region.

Therefore, the overarching problem addressed by this study is the underutilization of preconception care services among women of reproductive age in the Buea Health District, which contributes to preventable maternal and child health disparities and undermines efforts to improve overall health outcomes in the region (Dean et al., 2005).

Research Questions

1. What is the level of knowledge regarding preconception care among women of reproductive age in the Buea Health District?
2. What are the attitudes of women towards preconception care in the Buea Health District?
3. What are the current practices adopted by women in the Buea Health District in preparation for pregnancy?
4. What are the barriers and facilitators influencing the utilization of preconception care services among women in the Buea Health District?

Objectives

1. To assess the level of knowledge regarding preconception care among women of reproductive age in the Buea Health District.
2. To explore the attitudes of women towards preconception care and its perceived importance in the Buea Health District.
3. To examine the current practices adopted by women in the Buea Health District in preparation for pregnancy, including lifestyle behaviors and healthcare-seeking practices.
4. To identify the barriers and facilitators influencing the utilization of preconception care services among women in the Buea Health District, including socio-economic factors, cultural beliefs, and access to healthcare services.
5. To provide evidence-based recommendations for promoting the utilization of preconception care services and improving maternal and child health outcomes in the Buea Health District.