Grant: Doctoral: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Supervisors: Dr.Salima Meherali (University of Alberta) Preconception care is a type of healthcare that helps couples prepare for pregnancy and is essential in helping prevent problems during pregnancy and ensuring that both the couple and the baby are healthy. Some preconception care includes medical check-ups, healthy eating, exercise, and eliminating bad habits like smoking. Studies have shown it can reduce the risk of problems, such as babies being born too early, low birth weight, and congenital disabilities, save on healthcare costs, and improve the health of future generations. However, in countries, like Ethiopia, only a few people know about preconception care or can easily access it because of insufficiently trained healthcare workers and information access. Cultural reasons also make it difficult for some to get this service. To offer improvement, my research project will do three necessary studies:1) I will look at what other researchers have discovered about preconception care in countries like Ethiopia; 2) I will talk to adults, healthcare providers, and stakeholders in Ethiopia to hear their thoughts and experiences with preconception care; 3)I will use what I learn from the first two studies to create tools that will help spread information about preconception care. This research is essential because it can offer understanding of the barriers preventing people from getting preconception care. Knowing this, I can create better ways to make preconception care accessible and helpful for everyone. I aim to ensure that every mother can receive the best care before getting pregnant, no matter where they live or how much money they have. By improving preconception care, I can positively impact the health and well-being of couples and babies.