Publication:

Awareness of preconception care among married women in West Champaran and Banka districts of Bihar

Background Preconception care (PCC) is vital for maternal and child health, but awareness in India remains very low, especially in rural and tribal areas. This study examines PCC awareness and its socio-economic determinants among married women in Bihar’s West Champaran and Banka districts.

Methods Primary data were collected from 300 married women aged 15–49 years using a multistage sampling design. Districts were purposively chosen for tribal population and high prevalence of early pregnancy. Data were analysed using chi-square tests and bivariate analysis. Variables included residence, caste, education, employment, income, age at marriage, media exposure and place of delivery.

Results Awareness of PCC was higher in West Champaran (24.0%) than Banka (9.3%). Urban women were more aware than rural women (West Champaran: 44.0% vs. 23.0%, χ²=7.00, p<0.008; Banka: 36.0% vs. 5.0%, χ²=24.67, p<0.001). Education showed strong influence: 75.0% of graduates versus 13.8% of illiterate women in West Champaran (χ²=26.78, p<0.001) and 37.5% versus 3.2% in Banka (χ²=18.47, p<0.002). Employment raised awareness (West Champaran: 56.4% employed vs. 14.7% homemakers, χ²=28.74, p<0.001; Banka: 28.9% vs. 8.2%, χ²=11.19, p<0.001). Media exposure also showed significant effects (p<0.001). Place of delivery had the strongest link: 92.3% awareness among private facility users vs. 10.0% home deliveries in West Champaran (χ²=65.21, p<0.001) and 43.5% vs. 3.1% in Banka (χ²=22.01, p<0.001).

Conclusions PCC awareness is very low, with marked gaps across districts and social groups. Urban residence, higher education, employment, media access and private deliveries significantly improve awareness. Focused education and rural outreach are essential.