Empowering Futures: The Effect of a Teaching program on University Students' Knowledge and Attitude Toward Preconception Care

Abstract

Empowering Futures: The Effect of a Teaching program on University Students' Knowledge and Attitude Toward Preconception Care1. AbstractBackground: University Students' knowledge, and attitudes regarding Preconception care (PCC) are crucial to ensure a safe maternal and neonatal health outcome. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a teaching program on university students' knowledge and attitudes toward PCC. Method: A quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design was used. Study subjects: A random sample of 400 Students (140 males and 260 females) of the targeted colleges from grade 1 to grade 4 from Mansoura University participated. Data collection tools: Three tools were employed: Tool I: A structured interview questionnaire for sociodemographic data. Using Tools II, III to assess knowledge, and attitudes of university students toward preconception care. Results: University student around 21 years old improved Knowledge scores significantly, with nearly all students showing poor knowledge before the program and all demonstrating good knowledge afterward. Attitudes also showed substantial improvement, with the majority of students having poor attitudes before the program, and none having poor attitudes after program. A significant correlation was observed between knowledge and attitudes both before and after the program. Conclusion: The teaching program significantly improved both knowledge and attitudes toward preconception care among Mansoura students, confirming curriculum integration promotes healthier young adult behaviors. Recommendations: Integrate preconception care into university curricula, establish peer education platforms, and partner with healthcare professionals to deliver practical workshops and real-world applications. Keywords: Keywords: Attitude, knowledge, Preconception care, Teaching program, university students.