Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Patient Safety Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran

2 Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Preconception reduces unplanned pregnancies and plays an important role in 
reducing maternal and infant mortality. Considering the importance of these care services, this study 
was conducted to determine the status of preconception care (PCC) model with Structural Equation 
Modeling (SEM).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 394 pregnant 
women referring to Gorgan’s health centers. Samples were selected by multi‑stage stratified sampling 
method. The instrument used in this research was a researcher-made questionnaire by Bayrami. Data 
were analyzed using R software version 4.1.4. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with weighted 
least square mean and variance method was used to fit the conceptual model and the significance 
level of the tests was considered 0.05.
RESULTS: The results showed that PCC model was deemed appropriate as optimum conditions 
indicators of goodness of fit; knowledge with a coefficient of 0.182 leads to self‑efficacy (SE), and 
SE affects the accessibility of facilities with a coefficient of 0.465 and the expected outcome with a 
coefficient of 0.500. After facility structure with a coefficient of 0.500, SE construct with a coefficient 
of 0.215 had the most effect on performing PCC behavior.
CONCLUSIONS: Facilities and SE as a key element of empowerment have an important role in 
promoting PCC. Identifying the factors associated with this care appears to help health policymakers 
to planning for these caregivers more precise and sensitive.

Keywords

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