UTILIZATION OF PRECONCEPTION CARE SERVICES AMONG COUPLES IN BUNGOMA COUNTY, KENYA

Purpose: The broad objective of the study was to assess the utilization of preconception care services among couples (18-49 years) in Kanduyi Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya. Methodology: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were employed. A pre-test study was carried out in one randomly selected ward in Webuye East sub-county. Four wards in Kanduyi Sub-County were purposively selected for the study, using the Lottery random sampling method. The study participants were sampled proportionately from each ward. Data collection instruments, used by the researcher were a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and focused group discussions. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 22 was used for the descriptive analysis of the quantitative data. The quantitative results were presented using bar graphs, tables, and pie charts. Results: The findings from this study have; first helped to depict a low-level of knowledge on preconception care services among couples, whereby only 41% (159) of the couples had adequate knowledge on preconception care while the rest 59% (230) had inadequate knowledge. Secondly, the utilization of preconception care services among the couples in Kanduyi sub-county in Bungoma County is very low, especially on some services. For instance, the majority 65% (251) of the couples were not screened for any medical condition and a significant proportion 61% (238) were not in any family planning program prior to conception. The socio-demographic factors that were noted to influence the utilization of preconception care services among couples include; level of education (p=0.029), age (p=0.042), occupation (p=0.030), place of residence (p=0.002) and gravidity (p=0.001).  In contrast, the sociocultural factors were partners' support (65%), traditional beliefs (81%), and church attendance (85%). Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The Study recommends that the ministry of health and Bungoma County government should scale up education and empowerment initiatives and programs targeting the men, with the overall aim of enhancing the utilization of preconception care services by the couples. The ministry of health should integrate the various preconception health care services in all the existing reproductive health care facilities to facilitate ease of access to health care services. The ministry of health, faith-based organizations, as well as the non-governmental organizations, should develop initiatives to empower and train the couples, especially the men, on the value of preconception care services despite the prevailing traditional and cultural beliefs