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CC BY 4.0 · AJP Rep 2025; 15(03): e129-e141
DOI: 10.1055/a-2667-6662
Original Article

Preconception Care: Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Physicians at a Tertiary Hospital in Ethiopia

Habtamu Dagnew Demsew
1   Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
,
Atirsaw Ebabey
1   Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
,
Winta Tsehaye
1   Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
,
Nigat Amsalu Addis
1   Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
,
Adane Nigusie
2   Department of Public Health and Health Promotion, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
,
Nurhussien Riskey Arefayne
3   Department of Anesthesia, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
,
Demelash Gedefaye Anteneh
3   Department of Anesthesia, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
,
Belete Muluadam Admassie
4   Department of Anesthesia, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
› Institutsangaben
Funding This study was supported by the University of Gondar.
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Abstract

Background

Preconception care (PCC) involves interventions before conception to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes, yet it remains underutilized in many regions. Its availability influenced by both women's awareness and HCPs' expertise. This study aimed to assess physician's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding PCC.

Objective

To assess physicians knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to PCC and associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 20 to May 30, 2023, on 251 physicians. Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using Stata version 14. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with PCC knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Results

From 251 physicians, 133 (52.99%) had strong PCC practices, 180 (71.71%) had good knowledge, and 143 (56.97%) demonstrated positive attitudes. Significant factors influencing knowledge included working department (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.02) and reading PCC guidelines (AOR = 1.82). Strong PCC practices were linked to working department (AOR = 2.74), reading about PCC (AOR = 2.86), and perceptions of who should provide PCC (AOR = 2.21).

Conclusion and Recommendation

Physicians' expertise in PCC is enhanced by reading guidelines and working in obstetrics and gynecology. Regular review of PCC resources is recommended to improve knowledge and practices.

Keywords

attitude - knowledge - practice - preconception care - physician

Ethical Approval

Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee of the University of Gondar, College of Medicine, and Health Sciences, from the School of Medicine with reference number /688/2023


Consent to Participate

The purposes and the importance of the study were explained to the participants of the study and written consent was obtained from each participant.


Human Ethics and Consent to Participate

Informed consent was obtained from each study participant after a clear explanation of the study's objectives. Participants were informed that they had the right to decline participation or withdraw at any stage of the interview. Confidentiality was maintained by removing personal identifiers from the questionnaires and keeping them locked. No incentives were given for participation.


Consent for Publication

Not applicable.


Availability of Data and Materials

The datasets used and analyzed during the study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.


Authors' Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.




Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 05. März 2025

Angenommen: 23. Juli 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
28. Juli 2025

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. August 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 

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