Objectives: To assess awareness, knowledge, attitude and practice behaviour of non-gynaecological medical officers (MOs) in the provision of preconception care (PCC). 

Methods: Validated questionnaires were handed out to MOs from 10 departments from University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL). These were obtained by convenience sampling, and were self-administered by respondents. The sample size required was 260.

Results: There were 337 respondents (178 UMMC and 159 HKL). Of these, 89 (26.4%) provided PCC. Female MOs were more likely to provide PCC than male MOs (p<0.0.5). MOs from primary care department contributed the highest provision of PCC (83.8%, 95% CI 71.9-95.7). Next is clinical oncology 19% (70.8%, 95% CI 52.7-89.0) while Medical department (4.6%, 95% CI 1.6-10.7) is the second lowest. There is statistical significant difference between departments in provision of PCC (p < 0.001).

MOs have decided that only Primary care doctors, O&G doctors and GPs should provide PCC. Most MOs (57.6%) did not agree that PCC is a high priority in the medical officers’ workload. This is further supported by the next question where 48% of the MOs agree that they do not have enough time to provide PCC. About 34.5% of the MOs also feel that they are not the most suitable person to provide PCC.

If hospital provide PCC the service MOs (108 out of 133, 81.2%, 95% CI 74.6-87.8) are willing to provide preconception care while only (126 out of 204, 61.8%, 95% CI 55.1-68.4) master students agreed to do so. There is statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Only 134 (39.8%) asked whether or not patients were planning a pregnancy, and only 124 (36.8%) MOs asked about the use of contraception. The date of the last menstrual period was asked by only 194 (57.6%) MOs.

Conclusion: There is a lack of awareness on the importance of preconception care amongst non-gynaecological medical officers. There is a general negative attitude and this is reflected in low provision of preconception advice seen amongst this group. Training is recommended to ensure that women of reproductive age with medical disorders are appropriately referred for PCC at the Primary Care Department.