Health care provider s’ knowledge, attitude and practice regarding pre-conception care

Pre-conception care is one of the most important components of health care for women in reproductive age that seek to improve women’s health by pregnancy risk-assessment, education, and diagnostic interventions. This study aimed to assess health care providers’ knowledge, attitude and practice about preconception care. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study comprising all health care providers in the city of Khoy as the study population, selected in method (218 persons). Data were collected through a field survey using a researcher constructed questionnaire, to which 167 subjects (77%) responded. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistic and χ2 tests. Findings of present study showed that physicians (63.6%), health technicians (68%), and healthcare social workers (74.6%) had moderate knowledge and Bachelors of Science in family health (66.7%) had a good knowledge about preconception care. All groups had a positive attitude toward preconception care. Practice of nearly 70% of physicians and 75% of Bachelors of Science in family health in all preconception care fields was poor, but majority of family physician project midwives (64.7%) and healthcare social workers (52.4%) had a moderate practice in this area. A significant correlation was observed between study subjects’ educational qualifications and their knowledge, attitude, and practice. Given the results obtained in this study, staff training, preparation for applicability of information, and increased sensitivity of health care providers and others involved in providing obstetrics and health services to pre-conception care appear necessary for improvement of services in this area.