Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among Palestinian Mothers Attending the Governmental Primary Health Care Centers Regarding Preconception Care Services

Abstract

Background: Preconception care considers the backbone for safe pregnancy and childbirth outcomes. Therefore, early preconception care provided by healthcare professionals before pregnancy is crucial in reducing childbirth morbidity and mortality rates. This study aims to assess mothers' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about preconception care at governmental primary health care clinics in the Gaza Strip. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in seven primary health care centers and data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire (including 3-point Likert Scale). A convenience sample of 372 mothers aged from 16 to 49 years, and who visit governmental clinics as a routine followup were selected. Results: the overall level of practices regarding preconception care was (75%) was reported about the importance of eating a wellshowed a high attitude level in terms of the importance of Conclusion: In Gaza Strip, mothers have fair knowledge and attitude levels but low level of practice regarding preconception care which shows that there is an opportunity in existing circumstances for the implementation of interventions targeting predictors for increased knowledge and uptake of preconception care.