Abstract:
Background: Preconception care is a highly effective evidence-based intervention that aims to
promote the health of reproductive-age women in particular and thereby reduce adverse
pregnancy-related outcomes. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health has planned to integrate
preconception care services into the current health care system. However, women’s preferences
can be influenced by their personal values and customs. Therefore, the use of theory of planned
behavior can explain the women’s intentions and predict factors of preconception care.
Objectives: To assess the intention to use preconception care and its predictors among
reproductive-age women in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia,2022.
Method: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Arba Minch town from
May 1 to 30, 2022. A total of 415 samples were used for this study and the study participants
were selected by a simple random sampling technique from all kebeles. Face-to-face interview
technique was used for data collection. Collected data were entered into Epi. Data version 4.6
and exported to statistical software for social sciences version 25 for analysis. Multiple linear
regression analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of intention to use
preconception care. The standardized β-coefficient was used as a measure of association
following multiple linear regression analysis. P < 0.05 value was considered to indicate a
significant association.
Result: The proportion of variance (Adj.R2) in intention accounted for the factors was 0. 270.
Direct attitude, direct subjective norm, and direct perceived behavioral control had a mean score
of 18.8(SD 4.8),16.5(SD 4.7), and 12.4(SD 4.5) respectively. The intention to use
preconception care has a mean score of 21.43(SD 2.47). Direct Perceived behavioral control
(β=0.263, p<0.001), direct attitude (β =0.201, p=0.001), direct subjective norm (β=0.158,
p=0.006) and Age (β=-0.115, p=0.023) were significantly predicted women’s behavioral
intention to use preconception care.
Conclusion and Recommendation: Intention to use preconception was mainly influenced by
perceived behavioral control, attitude, and subjective norms. Therefore, these predictors should
be considered in health intervention program to promote preconception care services
implementation.
