Exploring the Need for Preconception Care: the Pregnancy Experience of Reproductive Age Women with Preexisting Medical Conditions in Public Health Facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024: Aqualitative Study
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Date
2024-06-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Pre-existing medical conditions result in poor maternal and child health outcomes. In order to reduce maternal, child, and newborn mortality, preconception care is the ultimate health care service for women with preexisting conditions. In spite of this, little is known about the need for preconception care for women with chronic medical conditions in Ethiopia.
Objective: Exploring the need for preconception care and the pregnancy experiences of reproductive age women with pre-existing medical conditions in a public health facility in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2024.
Method: A qualitative exploratory descriptive study was conducted on 19 women with specific preexisting medical conditions at the st.pauol Hospital Millennium Medical College Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit from February to March 2024. Purposively selected pregnant women were interviewed face-to-face, using an interview guide. Audio tape recordings and field notes was taken. Data collection and analysis were conducted simultaneously. The audio record was transcribed and then translated from Amharic to English. Finally, the analysis done manually guided by supervisors.
Result: An in-depth interview included a total of 19 participants and their mean age was 34.7 (± SD=0.64). Four themes were developed through inductive analysis. Those were Experience of being pregnancy and the desire to carry on current pregnancy, cultural barrier and the behavior of seeking health care, awareness and perception of preconception care and the need for preconception care. The themes were thoroughly described from the perspective of participants emphasizing the importance of PCC for women with preexisting conditions. According to the study's findings, women who participated in the study used PCC infrequently, so improving women's benefits from PCC is required to reduce complications.
Conclusion and recommendation: The study found that only two-thirds of participants are aware of preconception care (PCC) needs, and their utilization is limited. Factors influencing PCC utilization include lack of information, service inaccessibility, cultural practices, and poor care provider-patient interaction. Regular follow-up and readiness for pregnancy complications can improve PCC utilization and reduce unintended pregnancies. The care provider effectively communicates with the client, emphasizing the government to prioritize (PCC) as a daily agenda.
Key words: Preconception care, preexisting condition, the need for preconception care.
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PRECONCEPTION CARE: THE PREGNANCY EXPERIENCE