Application of theory of planned behavior to predictors of preconception care behavior in women of childbearing age.

Background: Preconception care is essential for all women of childbearing age because it is the primary key to determining future health and significantly reducing maternal and infant mortality. However, millions of women do not carry out treatment because awareness to behave is still low due to lack of intention. This study aimed to analyze the influence of the theory of planned behavior on preconception care behavior in women of childbearing age.

Materials and methods: This study was a quantitative analytical cross-sectional study conducted in 2023 on 341 women of childbearing age in four public health centers in Kuningan Regency, West Java, Indonesia. The sampling technique and sampling method used were the Lemeshow formula and stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed using Stata software. Bivariate analysis used simple linear regression tests, and multivariate analysis used structural equation modeling.

Results: Preconception behavior was directly and positively influenced by high intention (b = 0.33; CI 95% =0.22 to 0.45; P = 0.001), high perceived behavioral control (b = 0.23; CI 95% =0.12 to 0.35; P = 0.001), and high attitude (b = 0.22; CI 95% =0.11 to 0.36; P = 0.001). Preconception care behavior was indirectly and positively influenced by subjective norms (b = 0.11; CI 95% =0.01 to 0.21; P = 0.037), perceived behavioral control (b = 0.31; CI 95% =0.22 to 0.40; P = 0.001), and attitude (b = 0.31; CI 95% =0.22 to 0.40; P = 0.001).

Conclusion: The theory of planned behavior has a very important role in improving preconception behavior through intentions that have an impact on health and reducing maternal and infant mortality rates by implementing strategies to develop more appropriate and effective preconception health promotion models.