Study of Pregnancy Health in England (SOPHIE Study)

The quantitative component of the research involved a cross-sectional survey of 835 women registered with primary care in the West of England, which assessed their knowledge, attitudes and views of preconception health and intervention methods. We identified a need to promote awareness of preconception risk factors and motivation for preconception health changes, particularly among younger and nulligravid women and women with lower incomes. Intervention methods involving communication from healthcare professionals, schools, family members, and digital media were reported to be acceptable.

The qualitative component of the research involved in-depth interviews with 20 of the cross-sectional survey participants, purposively sampled using a maximum variation approach. A framework analysis of their views on interventions to improve preconception health highlighted a multitude of factors that can enhance the acceptability and appeal of these interventions. These included enabling discretion and access, seeking consent, ensuring sensitivity, including details of the ‘why’, ‘how’ and ‘how much’ of preconception recommendations, and the use of visual media and personalisation. In line with national policy recommendations, a need to deliver preventive interventions ahead of first pregnancy was highlighted.