Developing internationally agreed core indicators for surveillance of preconception health: protocol for a consensus
Danielle Schoenaker1,2,3, Jennifer Hall4, Ghadir Fakhri Al-Jayyousi5
1School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
Plos One
|June 16, 2026
Summary
Developing internationally agreed core indicators for preconception health and equity is crucial for global maternal and child well-being. This study aims to establish these vital indicators for effective surveillance and policy development worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Global Health Equity
- Health Surveillance
Background:
- Growing international focus on preconception health interventions and policies.
- Recognition of preconception health's impact on maternal, child, and reproductive health outcomes.
- Need for standardized international indicators for effective preconception health surveillance and policy evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prioritize core indicators for preconception health and equity surveillance.
- To ensure indicators are suitable for low-, middle-, and high-income countries.
- To inform the development of new initiatives and monitor progress in preconception health globally.
Main Methods:
- International consensus study involving multi-sectoral stakeholders from the International Core Indicators for Preconception Health and Equity (iCIPHE) Alliance.
- Three-step process: indicator long-listing, Delphi survey for scoring, and consensus meetings.
- Recruitment of diverse participants across WHO regions and stakeholder groups.
Main Results:
- Prioritized core indicators for international surveillance of preconception health and equity will be identified.
- Dissemination through peer-reviewed publications, lay summaries, and policy briefs.
- Development of an implementation strategy for monitoring inequalities and changes in preconception health.
Conclusions:
- Establishment of a globally applicable set of core indicators for preconception health and equity surveillance.
- Facilitation of evidence-based policymaking and advocacy for improved reproductive health.
- Contribution to advancing health equity for people of reproductive age and their children.
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