Barriers and Facilitators to Preconception Care Implementation and Provision in Low and Middle Income Countries- a Systematic Review of Qualitative Evidence

Yeetey A. Enuameh, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
Daniel Gyaase, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Yeetey Enuameh, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Theresa Ivy Mensah, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Rebecca Tawiah, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Sam Newton, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Preconception care consists of interventions and services provided to individuals or couples during their reproductive years prior to the first or subsequent conception to optimize their health and well-being, with the aim of improving pregnancy outcomes and the future child's health. Though its adequate provision is known to improve conception rates, pregnancy outcomes, and child health, PCC is one of the “most neglected” maternal and child health interventions in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). Cognizant of the gap in achievement of SDG targets 3.1 and 3.2, the potential contribution of PCC to their improvement, and its reported non-availability to potential clients, the review sets forth to synthesize relevant contextual evidence to facilitate its implementation and provision. The objective will synthesize available evidence on barriers and facilitators that influence implementation and provision of preconception care by the healthcare system in LMICs. The review will follow the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. The review's synthesized findings will draw attention to contextual issues including barriers and facilitators influencing preconception care implementation and provision in low- and middle-income countries. These would guide policies, and interventions to incorporate the approach into relevant maternal and child health programs and services in LMICs.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Population and Development

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