Sociodemographic determinants of preconception care use among future healthcare professionals: a cross-sectional study in Ghana

Background Preconception care (PCC) is a comprehensive health intervention for women and couples to optimize parental and future child health, particularly for tertiary students at risk of poor reproductive complications. The study assessed the predictors of preconception care use among future healthcare professionals in Ghana. MethodThe research employed a cross-sectional study design involving 404 students selected from four health training institutions. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between the utilization of Patient-Centered Care (PCC) and sociodemographic factors. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. ResultsLess than half (49.3%) knew about PCC. A higher proportion of those who were aware of PCC (47.2%) indicated schools/teachers as their sources of information. In terms of PCC, only 22.3% had ever utilized PCC services, however, 77.5% of the respondents were willing to use PCC services in the future. Participants aged (AOR=2.27, 95%CI;1.00-5.12)]., respondents whose mothers had higher education status (AOR=2.99, 95%CI;1.21-7.37) and fathers with basic education (AOR=1.94, 95%CI; 1.01-3.70) were identified as a significant determinant to PCC utilization. ConclusionThe study reveals low knowledge and utilization of PCC among health trainees in Savannah, Ghana. However, most of the participants are prepared for the adoption of PCC in the future. The factors influencing PCC utilization include parents' education and age.