Making Healthy Babies: An Exploration of Opinions on Barriers and Facilitators of Optimizing Preconception Care among Healthcare Providers in Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/tnhj.v24i4.872Keywords:
Babies, Barriers, Facilitators, Healthy, PreconceptionAbstract
Background: Preconception care (PCC) is the provision of biomedical, behavioral and social interventions to women and couples before conception. This study sought to explore healthcare provider's perceptions on the facilitators of PCC and the barriers that may hinder PCC delivery.
Method: Qualitative data was collected through face-to-face interviews. Data was collected until saturation was achieved. In coding the data, the approach developed by Aurebach and Silverstein1 was adopted, Nvivo software and thematic content approached according to Braun & Clarke2 was utilized for the analysis.
Result: Healthcare providers have general ideas of what preconception care and were able to state various ways it can impact the future wellbeing of the mother and baby. Perceived barriers to PCC delivery include lack of knowledge on PCC, cultural beliefs, lack of availability of Preconception care in clinics. The facilitators identified includes provision of awareness through social media, campaigns. Intervention to enhance PCC concluded from this study includes policies from the government and incorporation of PCC into school curriculum. The results from this study will help improve the development and delivery of PCC services in Nigeria.
Conclusion: It is urgently necessary to raise knowledge to change how the public views preconception care. To improve feto-maternal outcomes, the services should be easily accessible and integrated into normal maternal healthcare. The study recommended that clinics for PCC should be put in place, sensitization of the public should be done, and policies be put in place to improve PCC in Nigeria.
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