Abstract

Background: Preconception care refers to the health services provided to women and couples before pregnancy to promote optimal health outcomes for both mother and child.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess women’s knowledge and practices regarding preconception care in the Bokwaongo community. Specific objectives included evaluating the knowledge of preconception care among women and assessing their actual practices related to it.

Method: A cross-sectional study design was utilized, targeting women of reproductive age in the Bokwaongo community. A convenient non-probability sampling technique was employed, and data were collected using well-structured questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2016, with results presented in frequency tables, bar charts, and pie charts. Quantitative variables were expressed as proportions and percentages.

Results: The findings revealed that a significant majority (70%) of participants had inadequate knowledge of preconception care, with only 30% recognizing its importance for healthy pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, while 40% reported consulting healthcare providers for preconception advice, only 20% actively engaged in recommended practices such as taking folic acid supplements.

Conclusion: The study highlighted a significant gap in knowledge and practice of preconception care among women in the Bokwaongo community. While some awareness exists, many women do not fully understand the components and benefits of preconception care, indicating a need for enhanced educational efforts.

Recommendation: It is recommended that community outreach programs be established to educate women on the importance of preconception care and its impact on maternal and child health in the Bokwaongo community.

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Background of study

Preconception care refers to the health care provided to women and couples before pregnancy to promote the best possible health outcomes for both the mother and the baby. It involves assessing and managing health risks, providing counseling, and addressing factors that could affect fertility, pregnancy, or the baby’s development. In 1985, the concept of preconception care and it potential advantage began to gain momentum.

In that year, the institute of medicine published preventing low birth weight and noted that numerous opportunities exist before pregnancy to reduce the incidence of low birth weight. In 1983, the American Academy of pediatrician and America College of obstetrics and Gynecologist in partnership with March of Dimes Birth Defect Foundation published the first guidelines for prenatal care. These guidelines noted that, preparation for parenthood should begin prior to conception.

At this time of conception, couples should be in optimal physical health and emotionally prepared for parenthood. This guideline indicated that, when pregnancy is completed, the preconception visit should include gynecologic examination and the history should include detailed family history including ethnic background as well as investigational lifestyle issues, religious the home and work.

In the world, research indicates that women generally lack knowledge regarding the importance of preconception care, women were often unaware of the benefits of preconception care and how their health and behaviors might impact pregnancy outcomes (Gebremedhin. 2017). Similarly, in developed countries, such as the United States, research suggests that women have limited awareness about preconception. Studies show that only 10-20% of women receive any form of preconception counseling (Frey. 2012). Among who are planning a pregnancy with their partner, less than 30% actively seek PCC (preconception care) services (Alleyne, 2017) of paternal health in pregnancy outcomes, including the impact of factors like smoking, alcohol use, and nutritional status on fertility and fetal development (Roth, 2019).

A study conducted in China similarly found 30% over 80% low levels of preconception awareness among women, with many unaware that paternal factors could contribute to birth defects or pregnancy complications (wang, 2019). The practice of preconception care among women is also limited. In many countries such as the low-income countries, there is minimal health education that targets men in the context of preconception care, and healthcare systems often prioritize women’s health alone (Koblinsky, 2016).

A study in the United Kingdom showed that 30% preconception care by women practices smoking cessation and improving diet, women were less likely to actively engage in such practices compared to women (Bennett, 2018). Moreover, in rural areas of countries like Ethiopia,10% of women involvement in preconception care is hindered by cultural norms that prioritize women’s health while viewing men’s roles in reproductive health as secondary (Gebremedhin, 2017).

Women attitudes toward preconception care vary by cultural, social, and economic factors. In some societies, there is growing recognition of the importance of women’s health for successful pregnancies, especially in contexts where paternal behaviors such as smoking, drinking, or physical activity directly affect conception and fetal development, Sorial et al.(2020).

However, in many parts of the world, particularly in low-income countries, there is resistance to engaging women in reproductive health matters, as traditional gender roles often view pregnancy and preconception care as primarily the woman’s responsibility, Berhane et al.(2018). For instance, in several African countries, there are patriarchal norms that discourage men from participating in reproductive health decision-making, resulting in limited interest and engagement in preconception care, Gebremedhin et al. (2017).

In Africa men generally have limited knowledge about preconception care. Several studies show that most women are unaware of the potential impact of their health on pregnancy outcomes. In countries like Ethiopia, a study found that while women often sought prenatal care, women were less informed about the benefits of preconception health interventions, such as smoking cessation, improving nutrition, and managing chronic diseases, Gebremedhin et al.(2017). Similarly, in Nigeria, many women were unaware that paternal factors, such as nutrition and lifestyle choices, could affect fertility and the health of the child, Sorial et al. (2020).

This lack of knowledge is compounded by limited educational outreach targeted specifically at men. In rural areas, women’s involvement in reproductive health matters is often seen as secondary, with information primarily directed at women, Koblinsky et al. (2016). These gaps in knowledge can hinder the promotion of healthy behaviors that would contribute to better pregnancy outcomes. Preconception care by women is also minimal. A key barrier to women’s involvement is the lack of public health initiatives focused on them, as most interventions are tailored for women. Research in Ethiopia showed that although some women acknowledged the importance of preconception care, they were rarely involved in practices like smoking cessation or improving diet and exercise before conception, Gebremedhin et al.(2017).

In Cameroon, women generally have limited knowledge regarding preconception care. Recent studies suggest that many women are unaware of the impact of their health on reproductive outcomes. A study by Nguimkeu et al. (2020) showed that a significant number of women were unaware that their lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet could affect fertility and the health of the baby. While women are often the focus of reproductive health campaigns, women’s knowledge of preconception care remains relatively low.

This gap in understanding means that many women do not prioritize their own health in the context of supporting a healthy pregnancy. A survey conducted by Nde (2021) found that while some women had heard of preconception care, they were largely uninformed about its benefits and specific actions they could take to improve the health of their future child. Knowledge about factors such as paternal age, genetic screening, and the influence of chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes was generally absent or underemphasized in these communities.

Problem of statement

All women of reproductive age should have adequate knowledge and engage in proper preconception care practices, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing chronic conditions, taking folic acid supplements, avoiding harmful substances, and seeking medical counseling before pregnancy.

When properly implemented, preconception care reduces the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, such as birth defects, low birth weight, and maternal complications. many women lack awareness and do not practice adequate preconception care. Factors such as limited access to healthcare, cultural beliefs, low educational levels, and lack of awareness contribute to this gap.

In many communities, preconception care is often overlooked, with women only seeking medical attention after conception. This gap between the ideal and the actual practice can lead to preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Poor knowledge and inadequate practice of preconception care are significant.

Women who are unaware of the importance of preconception health may experience higher risks of pregnancy-related complications, including gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, and congenital anomalies in newborns. Additionally, undiagnosed and unmanaged pre-existing conditions can lead to maternal morbidity and mortality.

General objective

The general objective of the study is to assess the knowledge and practice of preconception care by women in Bokwaongo community

 Specific objectives

1. To assess the knowledge of preconception care by women in Bokwaongo community Buea
2. To assess the practice of preconception care by women in Bokwaongo community Buea

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