MAGNITUDE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF PRECONCEPTION CARE PRACTICE AMONG HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES IN HARARI REGION, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Preconception care is vital for identifying and addressing maternal and fetal risk factors before pregnancy, thereby reducing morbidities, deaths, and non-communicable diseases. Studies advocate for extending preconception care beyond those planning pregnancies, emphasizing its universal benefits for all women. Establishing universal principles of preconception health is crucial for overall reproductive health outcomes. This service is still lacking due attention by providers and clients in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the magnitude of preconception care practice and its associated factors among health professionals in public health facilities in Harari Region, eastern Ethiopia, from October 1 to 31, 2023 Methods: This study employed an institutional cross-sectional research design. The researcher administered a pre-tested structured self-report questionnaire to a simple random sample of 489 participants. Data were cleaned, coding, and entered into Epi Data version 3.1 before export to Stata 16 for statistical analysis. Variables achieving a p-value of < 0.25 on bivariate analysis were considered candidate variables for multivariate logistic regression modeling. Those attaining a p-value < 0.05 during the multivariate analysis were deemed to demonstrate a statistically significant association. Results: Of the total study participants, 70.3% (n=344) were found to be practicing PCC. HCPs who received training in PCC (AOR 3.3, 95% CI 2.0-5.3), those with good PCC knowledge (AOR 3.5, 95% CI 2.2-5.5) and HCPs with a positive attitude toward preconception care (AOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.5-3.7) were significantly associated with good PCC practice. Conclusion: This study indicated that receiving PCC training, having knowledge of practices, and positive attitudes toward PCC’s importance were associated with higher PCC provision. Strengthening these factors may enhance PCC delivery