Utilization Of Preconception Care And Associated Factors Among Reproductive Age Women In Pokhara Metropolitan, Kaski, Nepal

BackgroundPreconception care refers to specific actions taken by an individual or couple to improve their health before becoming pregnant. Preconception care (PCC) is considered primary prevention for the future baby and secondary prevention for prospective mothers. Preconception care utilization in Nepal was very low. Studies on these issues are a newer concept in Nepal and also in Pokhara Metropolitan. ObjectivesTo assess the utilization of preconception care and associated factors among reproductive-age group women in Pokhara Metropolitan. MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to September 2024. The total study participants were 384 reproductive-age women. Data were collected using pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS after entry into Epi-Data. Descriptive analysis was conducted to show frequencies and percentages, while bivariate analysis was performed using a chi-square test and multivariate analysis was done using binary logistic regression to identify factors associated with the utilization of preconception care. Lastly, odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to evaluate the statistical significance between the dependent and independent variables. ResultsOnly 0.3% of participants utilize all preconception care components before their last pregnancy. The acceptance level of utilization of the PCC component was 44.5%. The commonest item received by the participants was taking a healthy diet (49.2%), checking weight (43.8%), and blood group screening (53.4%). Age of the respondent AOR=13.89; (CI:2.49-77.33), religion AOR=3.1;CI(1.43-6.95), occupations of respondents AOR=2.58; CI(1.67-3.99), knowledge of PCC AOR=5.12; CI(2.99-8.77), attitude towards PCC AOR=1.92; CI(1.18-3.12), heard about PCC AOR=3.15; CI(1.77-5.59) minutes to reach health facilities AOR=2.4; CI (1.32-4.35) health insurance use before pregnancy AOR=2.68 ;CI(1.71-4.19), and waiting time at health facilities AOR=1.60;CI(1.02-2.50) were identified as a factors associated with utilization of PCC. ConclusionThe utilization of preconception care among the women was very low compared to the recommended services and was influenced by various factors. Community-based advocacy and awareness are needed for women with low levels of knowledge and attitudes towards preconception care components, as well as those facing challenges such as time to reach health facilities, lack of insurance use before pregnancy, and long waiting times at health facilities. Health promotion strategies focused on preconception care and pre-pregnancy planning may increase utilization rates and improve maternal health.