Background

Women's health extends beyond reproductive health and encompasses physical, mental, social, and preventive healthcare dimensions across the lifespan. Preventive healthcare practices such as routine health screenings, immunization, lifestyle modification, and early disease detection play a critical role in reducing morbidity and mortality among women. However, utilization of preventive services remains suboptimal in many populations.

Objective

To assess women's health and preventive care practices and identify factors influencing utilization of preventive healthcare services.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among 4,500 women aged 18 years and above attending primary healthcare centers, community clinics, and tertiary hospitals between January 2023 and December 2024. Data regarding preventive healthcare behaviors, screening utilization, health awareness, lifestyle practices, and healthcare access were collected using structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square testing, and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Overall preventive healthcare utilization was 68.4%. Breast cancer screening participation was 61.7%, cervical cancer screening utilization was 54.3%, and annual health check-up attendance was 58.6%. Higher educational status, health insurance coverage, urban residence, and greater health literacy were significantly associated with better preventive care utilization. Major barriers included lack of awareness, financial constraints, and limited healthcare accessibility.

Conclusion

Preventive healthcare utilization among women remains inadequate despite increasing awareness of women's health issues. Targeted health education programs, improved healthcare accessibility, and policy interventions are necessary to strengthen preventive care uptake and improve women's health outcomes.