Men’s knowledge of preconception care in Southern Ethiopia: magnitude and associated factors

Abstract Background Men play a crucial role in pre-pregnancy care, which is vital for women's empowerment, maternal health outcomes and men’s own health. While women are often educated about preconception care, there is a lack of knowledge and research on men's awareness of preconception care throughout the world and especially in southern Ethiopia. This information is critical to effectively promote comprehensive preconception and antenatal health services in local urban communities in Ethiopia and likely other parts of East Africa. Objective The study was aimed to assess the magnitude of husbands’ knowledge of preconception care and associated factors of knowledge among, married men in Arba Minch town, South Ethiopia, 2024. Methods The study was conducted in a community setting from February 10th to March 25th, 2024. A total of 422 husbands were selected for the study using a systematic random sampling technique. The data was gathered by trained BSc- level midwives using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Univariate, bi-variable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were utilized to determine the extent of preconception knowledge and the associated predictive factors. The associative factors are described/presented using odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval. A significant association was confirmed at a p-value of less than 0.05. Results The study included 415 participants, with a response rate of 98.3%. Among them, 62.9% (95% CI: 58.2–67.5) were found to have knowledge about preconception care. The research showed a positive association between the wife's education (AOR = 3.23, 95%CI: 1.67, 6.23), had no habit of smoking (AOR = 1.86, 95%CI: 1.05, 3.26), adequate daily meals consumption (AOR = 2.97, 95%CI: 1.63, 5.37), and not feeling lonely (AOR = 1.81, 95%CI: 1.17, 2.82). Conclusion The study revealed that nearly two-thirds of husbands had knowledge of preconception care. This knowledge was positively influenced by having a more educated wife, refraining from smoking, consuming adequate daily meals, and experiencing lower levels of loneliness. These findings underscore the importance of addressing educational, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors to enhance husbands’ awareness of preconception care. Interventions aiming to strengthen community-based educational and lifestyle choices tailored should prioritize these key areas to promote better preconception health outcomes.