Knowledge and engagement in health-promoting behaviors among women planning pregnancy: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle and health behaviors affect a woman's overall health, including reproductive health. Leading a health-promoting lifestyle is crucial for optimizing conditions for conception, embryo and fetal development, and minimizing risks for both mother and child. METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between women's knowledge of health-promoting behaviors and their engagement in such behaviors during the pregnancy planning period. A diagnostic survey was conducted using an original questionnaire and the Health Behavior Inventory by Zygfryd Juczynski. The study included 100 women attending preconception visits at obstetrics and gynecology clinics between March and May 2024. RESULTS: Most respondents (64%) agreed that health-promoting behaviors during the preconception period influence pregnancy success. The most common behaviors included giving up stimulants (86%), visiting a gynecologist (83%), and supplementing folic acid (81%). The least common were completed (29%) or planned (9%) vaccinations. Women were primarily motivated by the desire to increase their chances of conception (38%) and ensure the health of their child (20%). The majority (65%) demonstrated an average level of knowledge regarding recommended health behaviors. Knowledge and behavior intensity were influenced by sociodemographic factors such as age, education, residence, and marital status. A significant relationship was found between knowledge level and engagement in health-promoting activities - women with greater knowledge were more likely to adopt behaviors supporting reproductive health. CONCLUSIONS: Women planning pregnancy show awareness of the impact of health-promoting behaviors on pregnancy outcomes and child health, which is reflected in their actions. However, the predominance of average knowledge levels indicates a need for further education, particularly in less commonly addressed areas.