The Effects of a Preconception Counseling Program on Knowledge and Preconception Preparedness Behaviors among Women of Reproductive Age

Abstract

Abstract

            Objectives : Studying the effects of a prenatal counseling program on the knowledge and preparation behaviors of women of reproductive age.

            Meterials and Method : A quasi-experimental research study comparing two groups before and after the experiment. Study conducted on women of reproductive age residing in Kaeng Leang Chan Subdistrict. Purposive sampling was used, with a test power of 0.80 and significance level (α) = 0.05, resulting in a sample size of 50 people. They were divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 25 people in each group. The tools include : 1) a pre-pregnancy preparation counseling program, 2) a pre-pregnancy preparation guide. 3) an assessment form for knowledge about pre-pregnancy preparation, and 4) an assessment form for pre-pregnancy preparation behaviors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the T-test.

            Results : The research findings showed that 1) the average knowledge score of the experimental group after receiving the pre-pregnancy preparation counseling program was significantly higher than that of the control group at the .05 statistical significance level, and 2) The average score for pre-pregnancy preparation behaviors in the experimental group after receiving the pre-pregnancy preparation counseling program was significantly higher than that of the control group at the .05 statistical significance level.

            Conclusion : Prenatal counseling has an impact on knowledge and behaviors related to preparing for pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to provide better education and promote preparedness behaviors for women of reproductive age.

Keywords : Counseling Program, Preparation before pregnancy, women of reproductive age