Developing a national agenda for research, practice, and policy to promote preconception health among minority women and men of childbearing age

Background: In the U.S. there are significant racial-ethnic disparities in preconceptional health and healthcare. Furthermore, there are major gaps in research, practice, and policy related to preconception health and healthcare for minority women and men of childbearing age. The purpose of this presentation is to 1) identify existing gaps in research, practice, and policy, 2) discuss strategies and opportunities for closing these gaps, and 3) discuss next steps to move toward developing a national agenda to improving preconception health and healthcare amongst minority women and men of childbearing age. Methods: Using a life-course framework, I will identify existing gaps in research, practice, and policy. I will also summarize recommendations from Select Panel on Preconception Care as well as the Commission on Paternal Involvement in Pregnancy Outcomes. Results: In research, more community-based, primary prevention research to promote preconception health and health care amongst minority women and men of childbearing age is needed. More attention is needed on issues related to recruitment and retention of women and men of color. There is also an urgent need to improve public health surveillance of preconception health status and healthcare of US population, particularly among minority women and men of childbearing age. In practice, there is a need to redesign preconception care using a community-based, systems approach, moving from the current 1.0 medical model to the 2.0 or 3.0 model with greater vertical, horizontal, and longitudinal integration. In policy, there is a tremendous need to address disparities in preconception health status and healthcare through policy, including policies that promote greater father involvement before, during, and beyond pregnancy among men of color. Conclusion: A national research, practice, and policy agenda is needed to improve preconception health and healthcare among minority women and men of childbearing age.