Systematic development of an evidence-based website on preconception care

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Reproductive Health
• Health Communication

Background:

• Launched in February 2015, 'gezondzwangerworden.be' addresses insufficient preconception care communication and folic acid intake in Flemish women.
• International guidelines recommend 400 μg of folic acid daily starting one month before conception, yet compliance remains low.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an evidence-based website providing comprehensive preconception care information.
• To improve awareness and adherence to folic acid supplementation among women planning pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of established preconception and prenatal care guidelines, assessed using AGREE II.
• Content selection by internal and external expert committees (5 and 16 experts, respectively).
• Content validation by 40 experts in preconception care.

Main Results:

• An evidence-based website offering validated information for prospective parents and healthcare professionals was created.
• The website attracts 100-200 daily visitors, with folic acid information being the most sought-after content.
• High interest in folic acid information aligns with public health policy goals for preconception care.

Conclusions:

• The 'gezondzwangerworden.be' website effectively disseminates crucial preconception care information.
• The high demand for folic acid content highlights its importance and the need for continued public health efforts.
• Further research is recommended to comprehensively evaluate the website's usage and impact.