Assessment of preconception care utilization among married women aged 18–49 years attending primary health care services

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the preconception care and counseling status of married women aged 18–49 years who applied to primary health care services, to determine the prevalence of service utilization, and to identify the factors influencing these behaviors. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among non-pregnant married women aged 18–49 years who visited various primary health care services in Antalya province. Participants were selected on a voluntary basis. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire developed by the researcher based on current literature. The questionnaire included items on sociodemographic characteristics, health habits, pregnancy history, preconception care awareness, and service utilization. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and appropriate parametric or non-parametric analyses were used for data evaluation. Results: The mean age of participants was 34,4±8,4 years; 49,5% were employed and 77,2% had at least a high-school education. Only 28,3% of the participants had prior knowledge about preconception care, and 16,9% had ever received such counseling. Most women who received counseling reported obstetricians as their main source, while the proportion obtaining counseling from family physicians was relatively low. There was a significant association between educational and employment status and preconception care awareness (p < 0.05). A majority of participants considered preconception care necessary but stated that they had not been informed adequately. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the utilization rate and awareness level of preconception care among women of reproductive age remain insufficient. Strengthening the role of family physicians in providing preconception counseling and integrating preconception care into routine primary health care services are essential steps to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.