Preconception health interventions to prevent adverse maternal, perinatal, and child health outcomes — ASN Events
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Preconception health interventions to prevent adverse maternal, perinatal, and child health outcomes (#9)

Zahra Ali Padhani 1 , Gizachew A Tessema 1 2 , Jodie Avery 1 , Patience Castleton 1 , Negin Mirzaei Damabi 1 , Salima Meherali 3 , Jacqueline Boyle 4 , Zohra Lassi 1
  1. University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  2. Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
  3. College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
  4. School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Mlebourne, Australia

 

Background: There has been an escalation in the adoption of preconception health interventions but despite the increased utilisation, there is a notable shortfall in effectively addressing preconception risk factors, particularly among adolescents and youth. Therefore, we aimed to identify, map, and describe existing empirical evidence on preconception health interventions to improve the health of adolescents, young adults, and their offspring.

Methods: We conducted an evidence gap map (EGM) activity by populating searches identified from electronic databases. We included reviews and interventional studies that reported the impact of preconception interventions for adolescents and young adults on adverse maternal, perinatal, and child health outcomes. A 2D graphical EGM was developed using the EPPI-Reviewer and Mapper software. Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0 and AMSTAR-2 were used to assess the quality of the included trials and systematic reviews.

Results: We included 22 studies (134 papers) of which the majority of the studies were from upper-middle-income countries and higher-income countries, with limited evidence from low-middle-income countries (LMICs). Studies were more focused on females with very limited evidence on men. The impact of HPV vaccination on perinatal and maternal outcomes was found to be a well-evidenced area, while gaps in evidence were found on interventions to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, alcohol/ tobacco use, sexual abuse, poor nutrition, mental health, and improved oral health. The overall quality of systematic reviews was moderate, while trials had some concerns.

Conclusions: This study emphasizes the necessity for implementing targeted interventions for individuals in LMICs and humanitarian settings. It proposes policy implications aimed at advancing preventative preconception health interventions, which not only enhance the well-being of adolescents but also carry enduring benefits for their overall health trajectory. It contributes to achieving SDG 3 by fostering healthy lives and promoting well-being for all, across all age groups.

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