Knowledge of Preconception Care and Associated Factors among Pregnant Mothers with Pre-existing Diabetes Mellitus in selected Governmental Hospitals, Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Many women with diabetes mellitus experience high rates of unintended pregnancies, infant morbidity and mortality and preventable birth defects.Thus, preconception care offers the potential for earlier risk assessment and intervention that can benefit women before pregnancy and ensure the healthiest possible start for the newborn child. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and experience of preconception care and associated factors among pregnant mothers with pre-existing diabetes mellitus. Methods: Facility based quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed among 142 conveniently selected pregnant women between March 11and April 12, 2018. Logistic regression including bivariate and multivariate analysis considering 95% CI was utilized to examine association between dependent and independent variables. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: this study found that 67(42.7%) of pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes mellitus had good knowledge on preconception care. Educational level, occupation and duration of diabetes was associated with knowledge about preconception care AOR= 0.24 [0.065, 0.828], AOR= 0.042[0.102(0.011-0.918] and AOR= 0.035 [3.599(.095-11.833] respectively. Conclusion: women’s knowledge on preconception care in this study is low. Education, occupation and duration of diabetes were factors associated with knowledge of preconception care. Establishment of preconception care strategies addressing all components of the care and increasing women’s knowledge about preconception care is an important component to ensure prevention of potential risks.