Utilization of Preconception Care among Women of Reproductive Age Attending Thika Level Five Hospital in Kiambu County, Kenya
| dc.contributor.author | Kamau, Felister Waruguru | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-03-13T10:00:07Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-03-13T10:00:07Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-09 | |
| dc.description | A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Public Health (Reproductive Health) in the School of Health Sciences of Kenyatta University, September 2025. Supervisors 1. Dr. Eliphas Gitonga 2 .Dr. Rosebella Kipkalom | |
| dc.description.abstract | Pregnancy, together with other unforeseen health risks could make situations worse during pregnancy, labour, birth, and thereafter. Naturally, women of reproductive age may not be aware of the impact that existing health conditions, health-related actions, and behaviours might have on them and the fetus during pregnancy. Preconception care is provided to women and couples before conception, thus addressing issues that could affect the outcome of pregnancy. Despite this care being available, most women seek care after conception, thereby missing pre-conception care service benefits. The aim of this study was to determine the level of Preconception care utilization and the associated factors among women of reproductive age attending Thika level five hospital. The study design was descriptive cross-sectional, and mixed methods of data collection were used. The dependent variable was utilization of Preconception care, and the independent variables were age, level of education, marital status, occupation, knowledge, social cultural factors, and institutional factors. Quantitative data was obtained through the use of interviewer-administered questionnaires, and qualitative data through the use of a key informant interview guide. The study population was 8950, and the sample size was 316. Systematic sampling was used to select the respondents, while purposive sampling was used for key informants. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 23 software to obtain descriptive statistics and presented in form of figures, charts, and tables. Qualitative data was categorized into themes, thematic analysis was done, and data was presented in form of narration. The findings of the study revealed that most women of reproductive age (62%; n=196) had utilized at least one form of Preconception care. The level of knowledge was low at 41% (n=129). Those who were knowledgeable were 2.69 times more likely to utilize preconception care (OR: 2.69; 95% CI: 1.647 to 4.407; p-value <0.001). Some social and cultural factors associated with utilization of Preconception care were partner support in decision making on maternal health issues and provision of transport. Those who were not supported with transport were 58% less likely to utilize Preconception care services (AOR: 0.421; 95% CI: 0.239 to 0.744; p-value 0.003). Institutional factors affecting utilization of Preconception care were knowledge deficit among health care providers, long queues (67.4%; n=213) in the hospital, and lack of awareness (50.3%; n=158) on existence of the services. Although utilization of Preconception care was good, the level of knowledge among women of reproductive age was low. Utilization was affected by socio-cultural and institutional factors. There is therefore need to train the health care providers on Preconception care to bridge the knowledge gap and awareness be created among women of reproductive age; human resource and infrastructure issues be addressed to create room for preconception care clinics in order to reduce long queues in the hospital and enhance utilization of preconception care. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32739 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Utilization of Preconception Care among Women of Reproductive Age Attending Thika Level Five Hospital in Kiambu County, Kenya |