Association Between Receiving Care in the Preconception Period on Health Practices in Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to examine the association between receiving preconception care and pregnant women’s health practices during pregnancy, and to identify sociodemographic and pregnancy-related factors associated with these practices.
METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 245 third-trimester pregnant women at a Family Health Center in Istanbul between September 2022 and January 2023. Data were collected using a Descriptive Information Form developed in line with the literature and the Health Practices in Pregnancy Questionnaire-II (HPQ-II).
RESULTS: The mean HPQ-II score of the pregnant women was 118.9±14.2. Significant differences in mean HPQ-II scores were observed according to maternal age, education level, spouse’s education level, employment status, income level, smoking status, family type, and pregnancy planning status (p<0.05). Pregnant women who had received preconception care before the current pregnancy, as well as those whose spouses had received preconception care, had significantly higher HPQ-II scores compared to those who had not (p<0.05). In the multiple linear regression analysis, maternal education level, spouse’s receipt of preconception care, perceived income level, and family type were significant predictors of HPQ-II scores (p<0.05). In contrast, age group, spouse’s education level, maternal receipt of preconception care, employment status, smoking status, and pregnancy planning were not significant predictors (p>0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Preconception care was associated with better health practices in pregnancy. Education level, income, family type, and spouses’ preconception care were significant predictors. Strengthening preconception counseling for women and their partners may help promote healthier pregnancy behaviors.

Keywords: Health behavior, health promotion, preconception care, pregnancy, prenatal care, reproductive health