Barriers to utilization of preconception care services –A qualitative study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Preconception care, provides intervention for women in reproductive age, regardless of status or pregnancy, to improve health of women, newborns and children. Compared to developed countries, the preconception care coverage is lower in the developing world, and usually the first referral of women to health cares is after pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to explanation barriers to utilization of preconception care services. Methods: This study is a qualitative study. The participants in the study were pregnant women, midwives, women's health care provider and members of the Maternal Health Committee. Data were collected by using semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and focus group. To analyze the data, conventional content analysis was used. Correspondence: Fatemeh Nahidi, PhD. School of Nursing & Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran Tel:+98 21 88202512 Email: [email protected] Results: The average age of pregnant women was 32.1, Most of them were housewives with high school education. Most of the providers were midwives and had associate degree. Data analysis led to find 95 Initial code and 40 final code, which were divided into 13 sub categories and 3 concept categories. Concept categories included "organizational barriers", “organizational outside barriers ", and" personal barriers. Organizational barriers were related to healthcare systems. Organizational outside barriers were related to out of healthcare systems and personal barriers were related to woman and family. Conclusion: This study reveals barriers to utilization of preconception care services. It seems that eliminating the obstacles, can increase preconception care coverage in the country.