Iranian women's knowledge and attitude regarding preconception health: 12 years after integration into the primary health care network

Context: Despite the emphasis on the preconception care, the majority of people are not aware of how environmental and lifestyle factors influence reproductive and fetal health.

Aims: The objective of this study was to determine knowledge and attitude of women in reproductive age about preconception health in the context of free and universal access to preconception health care.

Setting and Design: A cross-sectional study in public health centers. Materials and Methods: This study was performed using a convenient sample of 400 women presenting to public health centers in Abhar, Iran. Knowledge and attitude were assessed using researcher-made questionnaire. Questionnaire went through validity and reliability process.

Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19. The knowledge and attitude scores among subgroups according to demographic characteristics were studied using ANOVA test.

Results: Over two third (68.8%) of women had adequate knowledge about preconception care. Sixty nine percent had positive attitude towards preconception care. Education and age were significantly associated with knowledge and attitude.

Conclusion: Despite the relatively high level of knowledge, nearly half of the women perceived preconception health optimization as difficult that may lead to not engaging in preconception health behaviors. The younger women and those with fewer years of education should be focus of preconception health program.