The preferences and expectations of married women receiving preconception care in Iran: a qualitative study

Abstract

Preconception care (PCC), as an essential strategy in continuity of the care approach for women, could reduce maternal and child mortality. Women's expectations from healthcare providers regarding PCC are different based on their knowledge, experiences and culture. The purpose of this study was to explore Iranian women's preferences and expectations regarding PCC. In this qualitative content analysis 22 married women with intention to become pregnant were recruited from 22 healthcare centers in Mashhad, Iran, using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews from March to October 2014. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a conventional content analysis approach. The main expectation of women regarding PCC was "being supported and receiving continuing care". This overarching theme consisted of five categories including continuity of care, couple-centered care, establishing effective communication, accessibility to preconception services and access to competent professionals. Women highlighted their expectations as the need of support and to receive continuing healthcare. They requested PCC for couples and emphasized the importance of the health professional's competency as well as access to information and services of PCC. Women's experiences manifested several areas within which changes could be applied to improve the quality of preconception care.

Keywords: Expectation; patient preference; preconception care; qualitative research; women.