Preconception health behaviours: A scoping review.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Preconception health is crucial for optimizing offspring well-being.
• Preventive behaviors and healthcare before pregnancy are key.
• Research aims to understand and improve preconception health knowledge, behaviors, and intentions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on preconception health behaviors.
• To examine the inclusion of specific preconception health behaviors in recent studies.
• To identify gaps in current preconception health research.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of literature published within the past seven years.
• Analysis of 94 studies on preconception health.
• Categorization of studies by focus: knowledge/attitudes, behaviors, interventions, and intentions.

Main Results:

• Folic acid, alcohol, and cigarette use were primary focuses, neglecting environmental exposures, stress, and sleep.
• Over 40% of behavior-focused studies concentrated solely on folic acid.
• Only 11% of studies included male participants, despite the importance of male preconception health.

Conclusions:

• Significant gaps exist in preconception health research, particularly regarding male participants and a wider array of health behaviors.
• Future research should incorporate men, assess diverse behaviors, and explore behavioral intentions.
• Understanding the links between preconception health knowledge, intentions, and behaviors is essential for effective interventions.