Development of an evidence-based website on preconception health

Abstract

Introduction: Many women and men lack knowledge about fertility, including timing of the fertile window, age-related decline, and lifestyle factors that may impair fertility. The Internet has become an important source of information, but evidence-based information on fertility and reproduction in Swedish on the Internet is limited. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate an evidence-based fertility awareness website, ‘reproduktivlivsplan.se’, to increase awareness of fertility and provide guidance for improved preconception health and care among individuals and healthcare providers.

Methods: The website’s content, design, and layout were evaluated qualitatively among a total of 20 nursing students. An expert group of researchers also provided feedback on the content. Finally, healthcare providers (n = 24) answered a questionnaire covering attitudes and views on the Reproductive Life Plan website as a tool for counselling.

Results: The developing process resulted in a mobile-friendly website, ‘reproduktivlivsplan.se’ (in English: Reproductive Life Plan). The website, including the content and layout, was positively evaluated by most participants and was amended according to suggested improvements. Uppsala University was found to be a trustworthy source.

Conclusion: The evidence-based website ‘reproduktivlivsplan.se’ was well received among users and healthcare providers and may provide guidance for improved preconception health and care if it becomes well known and frequently used.

Keywords:

• Fertility awareness
• health behaviour
• internet-based information
• preconception health
• reproductive life plan

Acknowledgements

We are grateful for valuable input on textual content and website design from Jenny Stern, Maja Bodin, and ReproUnion.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

Financial support was provided by Uppsala University, funds for Caring Sciences, and the Family Planning Foundation at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health.

Notes on contributors

Maria Ekstrand Ragnar

Maria Ekstrand Ragnar, RN, RM, PhD, is an Associate Researcher at the Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University.

Jenny Niemeyer Hultstrand

Jenny Niemeyer Hultstrand, MD, is a PhD-student at the Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University.

Tanja Tydén

Tanja Tydén, RN, RM, PhD, is a Senior Professor at the Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University.

Margareta Larsson

Margareta Larsson, RN, RM, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor at the Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University.