Prevalence of Pre-Pregnancy Risk Factors and its Relationship with Preconception Care in Isfahan-Iran

Abstract

Background Preconception care means interventions required for maternal and fetal health care and detection of pre-pregnancy risk factors. Some risk factors that have a significant effect on the outcome of pregnancy can be detected and controlled before pregnancy. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of pre-pregnancy risk factors, and its relationship with preconception care in Isfahan-Iran. Materials and Methods This descriptive study was a cross-sectional research which was conducted with multi-stage sampling (stratified and cluster) from April to May 2016 on 702 women giving birth in hospitals in Isfahan (Iran). Data collection tool was a researcher made questionnaire and data were analyzed using SPSS software, descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Results The results showed that, the interval between current pregnancy with a previous pregnancy less than 4 years) 22.8), abnormal weight (13), sexually transmitted infections (11.3), thyroid disorders (11 ), and history of hospitalization of infants in the intensive care unit (11.1), were the highest pre-pregnancy risk factors reported. There was a significant positive correlation between thyroid disorder and polycystic ovary (P<0.05). Also, a significant negative correlation was observed between interval less than 4 years between two maternal pregnancies, and receiving preconception care (P<0.05). Conclusion Results of this study showed that some of the risk factors (such as the interval less than 4 years between two pregnancies, abnormal weights and sexual infections) that generally affect pregnancy outcome, exist in women before pregnancy. Since many of these factors are easily identifiable before pregnancy, health planners and implementers need to pay special attention to this issue and identify people with these factor with screening programs before pregnancy.