Feasibility, acceptability & preliminary efficacy of a digital preconception intervention: OptimalMe

BACKGROUND: Women's health prior to pregnancy is an increasing area of public health focus. Lifestyle interventions in preconception may be an ideal to target lifestyle behaviours that impact preconception and pregnancy health. However, there are limited interventions initiated prior to pregnancy. This study assesses the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a digital healthy lifestyle behaviours intervention in women planning a pregnancy. METHODS: Participants were provided digital health and lifestyle information, health checklist, goal setting tools and virtual health coaching (telephone or video conference). Feasibility was defined as 1) recruitment of eligible participants who expressed interest, 2) retention from baseline through delivery (attending both preconception coaching sessions), and 3) adherence, based on attending one health coaching session, using the digital goal setting tool and accessing at least one information article. Acceptability was based on program components evaluated as helpful/very helpful. Preliminary intervention efficacy was based on participants attending a preconception consultation with a genera l practitioner (GP). RESULTS: Women (n = 298) planning a pregnancy within 12 months were recruited. Feasibility objectives were met, with 60% (n = 298/494) recruitment, 76% (n = 227/298) retention and 85% (n = 252/298) adherence. Evaluation demonstrated high levels of acceptability: digital module (95% n = 205/216), physical activity/diet information (90% n = 195/216), preconception health information (91% n = 195/215), coaching (92% n = 198/216), lifestyle SMSs (72% n = 153/213) and self-weighing (74% n = 159/215). Since the intervention, 73% (n = 159/217) had visited their GP in preparation for pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The OptimalMe preconception intervention demonstrated feasibility, high acceptability and efficacy in women planning a pregnancy. This supports future digital health interventions in preconception; pregnancy results pending. KEY MESSAGES: • Interventions prior to pregnancy are limited, yet women’s health prior to pregnancy is an increasing area of public health focus. • Digital health interventions are feasible and acceptable for preconception health and lifestyle health promotion for women planning a pregnancy.