Utilisation of Preconception Care among Pregnant Women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Various strategies have been applied to reduce the burden of maternal and child morbidity and mortality, but the rates remain unacceptably high. Efforts have been made in antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care, although little emphasis has been placed on preconception care, especially in developing countries, including Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the utilization of preconception care in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 312 pregnant women attending Temeke and Mwananyamala Regional Referral Hospitals, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to the data, including bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. To declare a statistically significant association, a p-value of <0.05 was used.
Results: Forty-seven (15.1%) participants utilized preconception care with HIV counselling, testing and ART initiation being the most utilized (21.3%). Logistic regression analysis revealed unplanned pregnancy (p = <0.001) and not having a history of previous infertility or subfertility (p = <0.001) as statistically significant factors influencing preconception care utilization.
Conclusion: The study revealed that the utilization of preconception care is low. It also identified the factors influencing the use of preconception care, therefore, implementing strategies to increase uptake of preconception care, such as opportunistic provider-initiated preconception care counseling during health visits may be helpful.

Keywords: Preconception care, Utilization, Pregnant Women, Factors, Dar Es Salaam