Background

Preventive healthcare plays a critical role in improving women’s health outcomes across the lifespan. Early screening, health promotion, vaccination, reproductive health services, and lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the burden of chronic diseases, reproductive disorders, and preventable illnesses. Despite the availability of preventive services, utilization remains suboptimal in many populations due to socioeconomic, cultural, and healthcare access barriers.

Objective

To assess women’s awareness and utilization of preventive healthcare practices and identify factors influencing preventive health behaviors and outcomes.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,000 women aged 18–65 years attending primary healthcare centers, community clinics, and women's health programs. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing preventive care utilization, screening practices, lifestyle behaviors, healthcare access, and barriers to preventive services.

Results

Regular preventive healthcare utilization was reported by 62.8% of participants. Cervical cancer screening uptake was 58.4%, breast cancer screening 54.2%, and routine health checkups 67.5%. Higher educational attainment, health literacy, health insurance coverage, and access to healthcare services were significantly associated with preventive care utilization (p<0.05). Major barriers included financial constraints, lack of awareness, limited healthcare access, and cultural beliefs.

Conclusion

Preventive healthcare practices among women remain inadequate in several areas. Strengthening health education, improving healthcare accessibility, and promoting community-based preventive programs are essential for improving women’s health outcomes and reducing disease burden.