Ivikali Achumi

Maulana Azad Medical College
India

Abstract Title: Utilization of preconception care and its associated factors among pregnant women in urban area of Delhi

Biography: Dr. Ivikali Achumi is a third-year postgraduate student in Community Medicine at Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, having earned their MBBS from Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi. As a former medical officer of under the Government of Nagaland, India, Dr. Ivikali Achumi gained invaluable grassroots experience working in inaccessible areas, which provided a deeper understanding of health challenges in underserved communities. This hands-on experience has fueled their commitment to research and interventions aimed at improving health outcomes in resource-limited settings

Research Interest: Preconception care (PCC) is a proactive approach to improve maternal and child health by providing biomedical, behavioral, and social interventions to women and couples before pregnancy. By intervening before conception, PCC can mitigate risks from pre-existing medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies, and infectious diseases that can negatively impact fetal development and lead to poor birth outcomes. PCC is vital for addressing preventable risk factors. While India has made commendable strides in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, it has yet to meet its Sustainable Development Goal targets. The systematic implementation of comprehensive PCC remains limited in India, despite being a recognized pillar of the India Newborn Action Plan. By promoting and integrating PCC into the healthcare system, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) can bridge a significant gap in the continuum of care, ultimately enhancing maternal and child health outcomes. This study assessed the proportion of women utilizing PCC, the pattern of services utilized, the various factors that influenced the use of PCC by women, and the knowledge of PCC in women. .