What support is needed for preconception health improvement, and by whom? A qualitative study of women's views

Datos Bibliográficos

ID21258316
AutoresMichael P Daly (0000-0001-6694-3835, University of Bristol, autor de correspondencia), Ruth Kipping (0000-0002-5446-8077, University of Bristol), Ruth R Kipping, James White (0000-0001-8371-8453, Cardiff University), James Matthew White (0000-0002-4549-9381), Julia Sanders (0000-0001-5712-9989, Cardiff University)
Año2025
Volumen8
Páginas100607
Fecha de publicación2025-12-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaSSM - Qualitative Research in Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2667-3215 • E-ISSN: 2667-3215
EditorialElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.ssmqr.2025.100607
OpenAlexW4412464702
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas42

Background Systematic reviews suggest preconception health interventions may be effective in improving maternal and infant outcomes . However, few studies have explored women’s views on the types of support required for preconception health improvement, nor when and to whom this support should be provided. Methods We purposively sampled women aged 18-48 years in the West of England from respondents to a survey, and conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews to explore their views on support needs in the preconception period and target populations for this support. We analyzed the data using a data-driven framework analysis. Results The women we interviewed (N=20) broadly supported promoting greater awareness of preconception health and felt the limited focus on health before pregnancy downplays its importance relative to antenatal health. Some women opposed support services and structural interventions to improve preconception health, due to concerns these are less impactful than encouraging individual responsibility for health. Women who supported structural interventions highlighted broader determinants of health and socioeconomic barriers to preconception health improvement. Men were considered a key target population for preconception support, to help share the burden for preconception health improvement. Women broadly supported ‘age-appropriate’, school-based preconception health education, highlighting young women as an under-served group in need of additional preconception education. Conclusion Our findings indicate a need to deliver early preventive support ahead of first pregnancy through services, interventions and policies co-produced with women and women’s partners. Future research should explore how to increase public understanding of the socioeconomic, environmental and commercial determinants of preconception health

Obstetrics · Qualitative research · Sociology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Health disparities and outcomes · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology