[Assessment of a preconception preventive program in a community].

Area of Science:

• Community Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Women's Health

Context:

• Primary Health Care (PHC) is crucial for health promotion and disease prevention, particularly for women's pregestational health and self-care.
• A 12-month community-based program in Mexico City targeted 224 reproductive-age women with health education and clinical evaluations.
• The intervention included one-to-one food and hygiene guidance, anthropometric, blood pressure, and biochemical assessments.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the impact of a community-based pregestational preventive program on health behaviors and adherence.
• To assess changes in breast self-examination, Pap smear rates, anemia, and overweight prevalence.
• To identify factors influencing program adherence and drop-out.

Summary:

• Program adherence was 55%, with most participants being young, educated housewives. No significant differences in health factors were observed between those who continued and those who dropped out.
• A significant increase in breast self-examination was noted, but Pap smear rates, anemia, and overweight prevalence remained unchanged.
• Primary reasons for drop-out included lack of interest, school/work issues, and relocation.

Impact:

• The program demonstrated a positive effect on breast self-examination, highlighting the potential of nurse-led interventions in community health.
• The lack of impact on other health indicators suggests a need for multidisciplinary professional involvement and tailored strategies.
• Further efforts are required to enhance women's engagement and address barriers to sustained participation in preventive health programs.