Enablers and barriers to preconception dietary behaviours: a mixed method study with women of reproductive age.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A healthy diet before conception (preconception) diet is associated with enhanced maternal health, improved cardiometabolic outcomes, reduced risk of pregnancy complications, and effective weight management. Yet, women of reproductive age frequently exhibit suboptimal dietary behaviours before conception. We aimed to examine the enablers and barriers associated with women's adherence to healthy preconception dietary behaviours.

Methods

Using sequential explanatory mixed methods, an online cross-sectional quantitative survey was followed by online qualitative interviews with women of reproductive age (18-45 years). Survey measures included the Healthy Eating Quiz (HEQ), and a pilot-tested new measure, the Preconception Diet Enablers and Barriers Scale (PDEBS) to ev

SUBMITTER: Kandel P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12553266 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature