Determining behavioral intention and its predictors toward preconception care use among reproductive age women in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia, 2022: a cross-sectional study based on the theory of planned behavior.

Background: Preconception care is a highly effective, evidence-based intervention aimed at promoting the health of reproductive-age women and reducing adverse pregnancy-related outcomes. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health plans to integrate preconception care services into the country's existing healthcare system. However, women's preferences may be influenced by their values and customs. Therefore, this study used the theory of planned behavior to assess women's intention toward preconception care use and its predictors among reproductive-age women in Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Arba Minch town from May 1 to 30, 2022. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select 415 study participants for data collection. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview using a pretested, structured questionnaire. Epi Data version 4.6 and SPSS version 26 were used for the entry and analysis of data, respectively. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify independent predictors of intention to use preconception care. The standardized β-coefficient was used as a measure of association. A P value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

Results: This study had 415 participants, giving a response rate of 98.3%. The mean age of the participants was 28.4 (SD 5.18). The mean intention to use preconception care was 21.43 (SD 2.47). Direct perceived behavioral control (β = 0.263, p < 0.001), direct attitude (β = 0.201, p = 0.001), direct subjective norm (β = 0.158, p = 0.006), and age (β=-0.115, p = 0.023) were significant predictors of women's behavioral intention to use preconception care.

Conclusion: The study identified perceived behavioral control as the strongest predictor, followed by attitude and subjective norms, influencing the intention to use preconception care. These findings underscore the importance of integrating these predictors into health intervention programs aimed at promoting the implementation of preconception care services.