Preconception care among unmarried college student

ABSTRACT: The present study was to assess the level of awareness regarding preconception care among unmarried college students. Using Qualitative survey research approach and non probability convenient sampling data was collected from 100 unmarried college students of Sri Sarada College of Education, Salem and Govt.Arts College for Women, Salem. The present health status of the samples was assessed using Baseline Assessment tool. The result showed that the majority of them 55% were in overweight (25-29.9kg/m2). In relation to haemoglobin which was measured by Saheli's Hemoglobinometer showed that majority of them 71% were moderately anemic (9-10mg/dl)71%.The level of awareness was assessed using self-administred knowledge questionnaire The result showed that Mean score percentage was 49.3 which revealed that the samples were having inadequate knowledge regarding preconception care. Chi-square association showed there is significant association between the level of knowledge and their area of residence. Further informational booklet was given to improve the knowledge regarding preconception care after marriage.

Key words: Preconception care, Unmarried college students, knowledge.

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Introduction: Preconception care is recognized as a critical component of health care for women of reproductive age. During the preconception period women should give special attention for reducing stress and preparing mentally for the pregnancy, taking folic acid which will enhance the women in reducing Neural tube defect & accept the pregnancy. Preconception care plays an important role in reducing the complication for both the mother and baby.

Statement: "A study to assess the level of awareness on preconception care after marriage among unmarried college students in selected educational institutions at Salem".

Objectives: (1). To develop and validate the informational booklet regarding preconception care after marriage for the samples based on the findings of the study. (2).To assess the level of awareness regarding preconception care among samples. (3). To find out the association between level of awareness regarding preconception care and selected demographic variables -age, education, family income, area of residence, religion

Method: Preconception care refers to the care taken by the unmarried girls after marriage before planning the pregnancy. Level of awareness refers to the present level of knowledge regarding preconception care.

The conceptual framework used for this study was Betty Neumann's system model. For the present study Qualitative survey research approach was considered as an appropriate and Non-experimental descriptive research design was used to achieve the objectives of the study. The present study was conducted in the month of September, 2010 (14.9.2010- 30.09.2010) in Sri Sarada College of Education and Govt.Arts College for Women. Non probability convenient sampling was used as the sampling technique. Sample size was 100. The tools were; Demographic variables, Baseline Assessment which comprise of 2 parts, 1st was the history collection (Menstrual history, Family history of Consanguineous marriage, Family history of high risk pregnancy, Family health history) and the 2nd part was the measurement of Body Mass Index & assessing Haemoglobin level using Saheli's Hemoglobinometer. Self administered knowledge questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge regarding preconception care. The tools were validated and the reliability was tested. After pilot study, the data for the main study was collected. Demographic data was collected. Tool-II Baseline assessment history was collected by interview schedule. The next day height and weight of the samples were checked to calculate the Body Mass Index. The group was divided to check the haemoglobin with Saheli's Hemoglobinometer. The questionnaire was distributed and time was allotted to fill it, after that the questionnaire was collected back.

Results:

Findings related to Demographic Variables

Out of 100 samples Majority of the Students were 67% in the age group 20-22years, 53% were postgraduates, 80% belong to nuclear family, 51%were having monthly family income between Rs 2001-6000, 52% were living in rural area, 96% were Hindus.

Findings related to baseline assessment of the present health status of the samples

Majority of the samples 35% attained menarche in the age of 14 years. Regarding menstruation 73% was having regular menstruation. With regard to the discomfort before menstruation 43% were having discomfort before menstruation. Regarding pain during menstruation 25% was having pain during menstruation. Majority of the student's parents 33% had consanguineous marriage. Regarding family history of high risk pregnancy 34% majority of the student's mother/sister had the history of vomiting during pregnancy. 25% had the family health history of hypertension.

Measurement data revealed that out of 100 samples 8% were having normal Body Mass Index (18.5-24.9kg/m2), 37% were underweight(<18.5kg/m2) and 55% were overweight(25-29.9kg/m2).In regard to Haemoglobin assessment 25% were having normal Hemoglobin level(11-12mg/dl), 71% were moderate anemic (9-10mg/dl) and 4 % were severe anemic (<8mg/dl).

Findings related to Level of awareness regarding preconception care.

Table-1: Total distribution of samples based on their level of knowledge regarding preconception care.

n=100

Level of Knowledge

Frequency

Percentage(%)

Mean score percentage

Adequate

Moderately adequate

Inadequate

02

61

37

02

61

37

49.3

Findings related to association with Demographic Variables

There was significant association with the level of knowledge regarding preconception and their area of residence [χ2 value=10.2016, Table value =.9.49 and df = 4 at 0.05 level]. There was no significant association with the other demographic variables (age, education, family monthly income, type of family & religion)

Findings related to responses of the samples after reading the booklet

The responses of the samples after reading the Informational Booklet was assessed, which showed that out of 100 samples, all the samples have read the Informational Booklet. 89 samples really felt that the booklet was useful and remaining 11 felt even though it was used further teaching could have more benefitted them. Most useful section felt by the samples were consumption of balanced diet 45, maintaining normal body weight 61, folic acid supplementation 78 and stress reduction 27.

Limitation:

Generalization of the study was limited in the samples only.

Conclusion:

The present study findings revealed in regard to awareness on preconception care mean score percentage was 49.3% showed that the samples were having inadequate knowledge regarding preconception care. Preconception care is recognized as a critical component of health care for women of reproductive age. Adequate knowledge and awareness must be given in regarding preconception in order to improve the general well being of the women during conception.