Preconception care services in Northern Ethiopia: A qualitative exploration of awareness, experiences, challenges, opportunities, and prospects

Apart from high-risk women, most women have little to no awareness about PCC services. Furthermore, although many HCPs possess some understanding of PCC, they deliver only a limited range of interventions, primarily catering to self-initiated high-risk mothers. Challenges identified include traditional beliefs and misconceptions, inadequate counseling on contraceptive services, social influences, high service costs, and fragmented service delivery. Existing community platforms and the perceived desire for PCC services were highlighted as opportunities to enhance PCC services. Strategies such as utilizing diverse communication methods, involving high-risk mothers as role models, strengthening community engagement activities, and improving linkages between communities and health facilities were proposed. Additionally, promoting home-based self-care was explored as a suggestion for improving PCC services. Integrating package-based PCC services into the healthcare system to routinely serve all eligible women of reproductive age was recommended to improve both awareness and uptake of PCC. Finally, tailored interventions were deemed essential for improving PCC awareness and utilization both at the community and facility levels.