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Table 2 Semi-structured topic guide for focus groups

From: Exploring preconception health beliefs amongst adults of childbearing age in the UK: a qualitative analysis

 

Questions

Understanding/ knowledge of preconception health

• Can you describe in your own words, what does the term “preconception or pre-pregnancy” mean to you?

• What opportunities have you had where preconception care has been discussed, if any?

• What factors would you consider to be important when planning for a baby, if any?

• Have you done any research on how to improve your health to maximize the chances of having a healthy pregnancy?

*For focus group where participants already had children:

• Did you make any changes before trying? Are there any questions you would have liked to know more about but didn’t? Why?

• What do you think contributes to positive preconception health?

Personal health status

• How would you rate yourself in terms of your overall health, considering diet, physical activity, alcohol intake and other lifestyle choices etc.?

• How confident do you feel that you could make changes to improve your health before having a baby, if you choose to do so?

Learning about preconception health

• How do you believe you have learnt what you already know about preconception health? (Where, when, from whom?)

• Have you heard about it from any other sources?

• Do you feel that was the most effective way to learn or would you prefer to learn in a different way?

• Do you feel that there are any life stages where it may be/have been beneficial to have a better understanding about preconception health? Via what mediums?

Seeking preconception help

• What would encourage you to seek help regarding preconception health, if anything? Has this changed over the years?

• Why do you think so few people turn to a healthcare professional about the best things they can do for health only once they become pregnant, or are having trouble getting pregnant?

• Where would you turn to if you wanted information on preconception health? What sources?

• Have you thought about a baby being born with problems/health risks that could have been prevented via lifestyle changes?

• Are there things/topics relating to preconception health that you would not want to discuss with a healthcare professional?

Future – improving knowledge

• Would anything motivate you to learn more about PCC?

• If you decided to make health improvement before trying for a baby, how far in advance would you likely do this? Why?