Adolescents and young adults are often overlooked when it comes to pre-pregnancy health initiatives, which can have a significant impact on maternal, perinatal, and child health outcomes. A recent review conducted by researchers from the University of Adelaide’s Robinson Research Institute and School of Public Health found that there are significant gaps in the existing initiatives targeting this age group.
The review, published in Public Health, highlighted the lack of focus on key areas such as mental health, domestic and sexual abuse, substance use, sex education, nutrition education, lifestyle modification, and family planning messaging for young people aged 10 to 25 years old. Surprisingly, the majority of health initiatives were found to be directed solely towards females, with limited evidence of interventions for men.
According to Associate Professor Zohra Lassi, one of the senior authors of the study, there is a pressing need to address the gap in research on young men’s preconception health. She emphasized the importance of conducting long-term follow-up studies with adolescents to better understand how preconception interventions can impact their future pregnancies and the health of their children.
Lead author Zahra Ali Padhani, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Adelaide, pointed out that adolescence is a critical period for establishing lifelong positive health behaviors. Early interventions during this time can not only benefit the well-being of adolescents but also have long-term implications for their overall health trajectory and the prevention of potential preconception-related challenges.
The review also highlighted the limited focus on behavioral interventions, with most of the evidence relating to the monitoring of adverse events of HPV vaccination. Padhani stressed the importance of expanding preconception-related education to target a broader audience and address potential risk factors that could impact maternal, perinatal, and child health outcomes.
Integrating initiatives like education and vaccinations into national immunization plans, particularly in lower-middle income countries, can have a significant impact on reducing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The study emphasized the need for targeted interventions that address the specific health needs of adolescents and young adults, particularly in regions with limited evidence and infrastructure.
Overall, the findings of the review underscore the importance of prioritizing pre-pregnancy health initiatives for adolescents and young adults to improve maternal, perinatal, and child health outcomes. By addressing the existing gaps in research and focusing on key areas of intervention, we can create a healthier future for the next generation.
