Queenie Rose Caya September 14, 2023

Group 2 MCN - 2104

Activity 1

Munthali, Mondera, 2021. Knowledge and perceptions of preconception care among

health workers and women of reproductive age in Mzuzu City, Malawi. Reproductive

Health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that even when strong public health

programs are in place throughout a person's life, it doesn't guarantee that women will

start pregnancy in good health. This suggests that there might be gaps in ensuring

women's health before pregnancy. The research aimed to investigate the knowledge

and perceptions of preconception care among both healthcare workers and women

of reproductive age. The goal was to gather evidence-based insights to guide

tailored interventions and policy decisions. The study found that the actual practice

of preconception care was low among both health workers and women of

reproductive age in Mzuzu City. This indicates that there's room for improvement in

promoting healthcare practices before pregnancy. Despite the low practice, both

health workers and women had positive perceptions about preconception care. This

means that there's potential interest and willingness to engage in preconception care

if the right interventions are put in place.

In my perspective, it’s essential to take specific measures before conception or in the

early stages of pregnancy to optimize favorable health results. Therefore, the

provision of preconception care is strongly advised. By offering preconception care,

healthcare providers can help women enter pregnancy in the best possible health,
reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy and improving the chances of a

healthy outcome for both the mother and baby. It's a proactive approach to maternal

and child health.

The article identifies an opportunity to implement interventions targeting specific

factors that predict increased knowledge and uptake of preconception care. This

could involve educational initiatives, training for healthcare workers, or making

preconception care more accessible through existing healthcare platforms. In

summary, this study highlights the need for improved preconception care practices,

despite positive attitudes towards it. It suggests that targeted interventions and policy

changes can help bridge the gap between perception and actual practice, ultimately

improving women's health before pregnancy.

Ukoha, Winifred Chinyere, RN, MSc, PhD, 2022. Preconception care practices

among primary health care nurses working in public health facilities in

KwaZulu-Natal. Global Health Action.

In this article, multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to understand

the factors that influence good Patient-Centered Care (PCC) practices among

Primary Healthcare (PHC) nurses in KwaZulu-Natal. The determinants considered

for this analysis were: Age: This variable examines whether the age of the nurses

has any impact on their adoption of PCC practices. Experience: It assesses whether

the number of years a nurse has worked in the field affects their implementation of

PCC. Gender: This variable investigates if there are differences in PCC practices

between male and female nurses. Ethnicity: It explores whether a nurse's ethnic

background plays a role in their approach to PCC. Education Level: This factor
examines whether the level of education attained by nurses influences their ability to

practice PCC effectively. Marital Status: It investigates whether being married or

single has any bearing on the adoption of PCC principles.Facility Location: This

variable looks at whether the geographic location of the healthcare facility where

nurses work affects their PCC practices. The multivariate logistic regression analysis

would provide statistical insights into how these factors interact and contribute to the

likelihood of PHC nurses in KwaZulu-Natal practicing good Patient-Centered Care. It

helps identify which determinants are statistically significant in predicting positive

PCC practices, which can inform strategies to improve patient care in the region.

In my perspective, preconception care involves offering various health interventions

to women and couples before conception. Its primary goal is to enhance health by

minimizing environmental and lifestyle factors that could lead to adverse pregnancy

outcomes. This care is crucial because it ensures that all potential risk factors are

recognized and managed before a woman becomes pregnant, thus increasing the

likelihood of a healthy pregnancy and baby.

This article emphasizes the importance of nurses being aware of obesity trends,

acknowledges the influence of certain demographic and professional factors on

PCC, recommends RLP for improved contraceptive counseling, and stresses the

significance of educational campaigns to promote PCC awareness and women's

participation in their healthcare decisions and in order for PHC nurses to improve

their quality of service to patients.

Ukoha, Winifred Chinyere, RN, MSc, PhD, 2023. Preconception Care

Recommendations, Training, and Competency of Primary Healthcare Nurses in

South Africa. Sage Journals.

It is stated in the article that preconception care (PCC) has gained importance in

addressing maternal and child mortality rates because the health of a woman before

she becomes pregnant can significantly influence the well-being of both the mother

and the child. Primary care nurses play a crucial role in providing sexual and

reproductive healthcare, especially in resource-constrained settings, as they are

often the primary point of contact for individuals seeking healthcare. Their role

includes offering guidance on family planning, promoting healthy lifestyles, managing

chronic conditions, and ensuring that women are in their best health before

conceiving, which can ultimately lead to safer pregnancies and better maternal and

child outcomes.

In my perspective, assessing preconception care is an urgent need to decrease a

country’s maternal and child morbidity and mortality rates. Additionally, identifying

the reasons why women aren't accessing available obstetric care facilities is

essential. This information helps address the root causes of the issue and is crucial

for reducing maternal morbidity and mortality rates. By understanding these barriers,

healthcare systems and policymakers can develop targeted interventions and

strategies to make healthcare services more accessible, affordable, and culturally

sensitive. This, in turn, encourages more women to seek the necessary obstetric

care, ultimately improving maternal and child health outcomes.

The findings from the article align with previous research, emphasizing the

importance of preconception care (PCC) recommendations, particularly for women at

high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. It underscores the need for

comprehensive PCC training and education for primary healthcare practitioners. This

is crucial because many of these healthcare workers may feel inadequately skilled to

address the PCC needs of their communities. By enhancing their knowledge and

competence in PCC, healthcare providers can better meet the needs of women

seeking preconception care, ultimately improving the quality, safety, and

effectiveness of PCC services and potentially leading to better maternal and child

health outcomes.