Knowledge on Preconception Care among Reproductive Age Women in Bharatpur Hospital

Abstract

Background
Knowledge on preconception care (PCC) among reproductive-age women is essential to ensure a healthy pregnancy, the health of the future child, and the prevention of reproductive health related complications. The study aim was to find the level of knowledge on preconception care among reproductive age women.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 230 reproductive aged women attending antenatal outpatient department at Bharatpur Hospital from 15 January to 15 February 2025 for antenatal checkup. Data was collected through semi-structured interview schedule and analyzed using SPSS 16 version. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and Chi-square test. 
Results
The overall findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents (96.31%) had good level of knowledge and 3.68 % had poor level of knowledge regarding preconception care. The mean score for the level of knowledge was 33.43±5.09. Among the four aspects of PCC, cent percent respondents had good knowledge on reproductive health risk factors and 40% of respondents were intervention aspect of preconception care.. The level of knowledge on preconception care was statistically significant with ethnicity (p<0.05) and level of education (p<0.05) where p value is 0.02 and 0.009 respectively.
Conclusions
The study concludes that majority of respondents had good level of knowledge on PCC. However, low level of knowledge was found on intervention aspect of PCC. The education program should be focused on intervention of preconception care.