Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and rate of preconception care (PCC) among diabetic women of reproductive age and compare the level of knowledge about preconception counseling (PCC) in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 337 women in reproductive age group living in Saudi Arabia, following at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah-diabetes clinic. The data were collected using structured questionnaires.
Results: The study investigated the PCC-seeking behaviors and knowledge of diabetic women of reproductive age. It was revealed that 47.7% of participants knew little or nothing about PCC. The current results showed a difference in the level of knowledge about preconception counseling in T1DM patients with T2DM patients. A low level of knowledge about preconception counseling was reported at 44.5% in T1DM patients and 53.3% in T2DM patients.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated the need to improve PCC knowledge in diabetic women. Health facilities must implement policies to encourage women to seek PCC because the majority of women with a history of pregnancy after receiving a diabetes diagnosis did not do so.
Key words: Preconception care, awareness, reproductive age, women with diabetes.
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