Journal of Progressive Medicine and Health Care

Abstract

Preconception care (PCC) involves preventive, promotive, and curative interventions provided to individuals of reproductive age before pregnancy to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from May 15 to 20, 2023, to evaluate awareness, knowledge, and utilization of PCC among market women aged 15-49 years in Margret Umahi International Market, Abakaliki. Of the 420 distributed questionnaires, 412 were correctly completed, yielding a response rate of 98.1%. Nearly half (47.6%) of the respondents were aged 20-29 years, with the majority (40.5%) having attained senior secondary education. Awareness of PCC was reported by only 37.38% of respondents, and good knowledge was noted in just 22.7%. Among previously pregnant women, only 8.6% had utilized PCC. Key reasons for seeking PCC included previous cesarean sections (32.0%) and adverse pregnancy out comes (24.0%), with common interventions received being counseling on preventing complications (10.4%) and blood pressure/sugar checks (13.7%). Lack of awareness (57.7%) and knowledge of PCC's importance (73.2%) were the primary barriers to utilization. Factors positively associated with PCC utilization included higher educational attainment, increasing age, and occupation. Overall, PCC utilization among market women in Abakaliki remains low, primarily due to inadequate awareness and knowledge. Improved education and targeted awareness campaigns are recommended to enhance PCC uptake in this population.