Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40825029›Full record

ArticlePLOS global public health2025

An exploratory study on midwives' perceptions of the availability of preconception care in health facilities in the Kpandai District of Northern Ghana.

Richard Kwaku Bawah, Gilbert Abotisem Abiiro, Gifty Apiung Aninanya, Barnabas Sackeyuah

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in PLOS global public health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Richard Kwaku BawahDivision of Nursing & Midwifery, Department of Pediatrics, Evangelical Church of Ghana Hospital, Kpandai, Ghana.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7638-1757
Gilbert Abotisem AbiiroDepartment of Population and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3809-2671
Gifty Apiung AninanyaDepartment of Global and International Health, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Barnabas SackeyuahDivision of Public Health, Department of Health Information, Evangelical Church of Ghana Hospital, Kpandai, Ghana.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8939-0740

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPreconception care is a critical component of reproductive health that significantly influences the well-being of individuals and couples prior to conception. Midwives play a critical role in addressing potential health problems prior to pregnancy, with the priority of optimizing positive pregnancy outcomes. However, midwives in developing nations, including Ghana, often face significant challenges in delivering preconception care services.

aimThis study explored midwives' perceptions of the availability of preconception care in health facilities in the Kpandai District of Northern Ghana.

methodAn exploratory qualitative research design was used in conducting the study. Both purposive and random sampling techniques were used in recruiting 15 midwives from 25 health facilities. Data saturation was achieved on the 14th participant; hence, no further interviews were conducted. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis was employed to analyze the data.

resultsThe participants exhibited adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and appropriate practices regarding the delivery of preconception care. However, they reported a low level of client uptake of these services. Notably, the majority of participants were unaware of any standardized guidelines or protocols governing preconception care. Despite these challenges, participants generally expressed satisfaction and a strong willingness to provide preconception care services within their respective units.

conclusionThe study underscores the necessity for the development and implementation of clear guidelines and standardized protocols to ensure consistent and effective delivery of preconception care. Such measures are essential to guarantee that all individuals of reproductive age, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, receive appropriate preconception care interventions prior to conception.

Identifiers

PMID40825029
PMCPMC12360517

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.