Utilization of preconception care and associated factors among HIV-positive women of reproductive age attending ART clinics in government health institutions of Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2021.

Preconception care is an important intervention aimed at improving maternal and neonatal outcomes among women of reproductive age and HIV-positive women. Inadequate utilization of preconception care may increase the risk of vertical HIV transmission and adverse pregnancy outcomes. To assess utilization rate of preconception care and associated factors among Human Immune Deficiency Virus positive reproductive age women attending Anti-Retroviral Treatment clinics in Gamo zone, 2021. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to April 1, 2021. A total of 559 participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in the bivariable analysis were included in the multivariable logistic regression model. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. Total of the 559 HIV-positive women selected for the study, 579 participated, resulting in a response rate of 96.5%. overall utilization of preconception care was 32%. Education, Monthly income, History of pregnancy, Number of pregnancy and Occupation were significantly associated with utilization of preconception care with (AOR: 4.42; 95% CI 1.48-13.17), (AOR: 2.85; 95% CI 1.41-5.74), (AOR: 2.99; 95% CI 1.18-7.71), (AOR: 2.97; 95% CI 1.28-6.91), and(AOR: 0.45; 95% CI 0.21-0.96) respectively. The utilization of preconception care among HIV-positive women was low. Educational status, occupation, monthly income, history of pregnancy, and gravidity were significantly associated with preconception care utilization. Healthcare providers, health facilities, and public health programs should enhance awareness creation, counseling, and accessibility of preconception care services, particularly among women with lower socioeconomic status and limited reproductive experience.