New potential for family planning: preconceptional health promotion programs.

This article reports on a preconception health promotion campaign undertaken by the University of North Carolina and targeted at family planning patients attending local health departments. A self-administered preconception health appraisal questionnaire lists 53 potential risk areas grouped under the headings of family history medical history reproductive history social history and nutritional habits. Included for the respondent are suggestions of actions that can be taken around the time of conception to reduce potential risks. This form was field tested in 1984-85 on a total of 812 family planning patients. Respondents averaged 6.6 risk factors the most common of which were: takes or plans to take birth control pills (83%) previous or current use of birth control pills (78%) eats less than 3 meals/day (70%) family history of high blood pressure (62%) use of prescription drugs (50%) family history of diabetes (36%) and cigarette smoking (30%). Slightly more risk factors were identified by respondents over 18 years of age and white respondents. Of the 154 patients who were asked to evaluate the appraisal form 97% thought it was easy to complete and understand. Also under evaluation at present are educational modules addressing preconception behaviors related to alcohol tobacco nutrition and drugs and chemicals. As a result of positive patient response and the preventive potential the University of North Carolinas preconception health promotion projects have been adopted by the North Carolina Division of Health Services for use in family planning clinics across the state.