Perceptions, attitude, and practice of undergraduates towards preconceptional care in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

Periconceptional care (PCC) addresses the care before pregnancy occurs. The objectives of this study were to assess the knowledge,
attitude of undergraduates towards and the practice of pre-conception care among the undergraduates. Quantitative approach with
a descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was adopted using semi structured researcher- administered questionnaire with close - ended and restricted- choice questions.  273 female students were selected  using a multistage and proportional  sampling techniques from various  departments in the University. Data were  analysed using descriptive and inferential  statistical methods with the aid of SPSS  (version 23). Results showed that 75.2% had  high knowledge of pre-conception care, 76.8%  had positive attitude towards pre- conception., 66.1% had never sought pre- conception care as the majority were not  married, but desired to complete schooling before considering such practices The  knowledge of preconception care among the  women was high, their attitude towards preconception care was good but their  practice of preconception care was poor. Age,  marital status and course of study were significant predictors of the respondents’  adoption of PC. There is a need for health  workers to lay more emphasis on the  importance of PCC thus encouraging youths  to adopt and utilize preconception care.