Gender norms and responsibility for preconception health improvement: challenges and recommendations for action from the 2024 UK preconception EMCR network conference.

Abstract

Preconception health improvement is vital for maternal and child health, yet societal perceptions about who holds responsibility for this remain underexplored. We conducted a hybrid workshop at the 2024 UK Preconception Early-Mid Career Researcher (EMCR) Network conference, attended by academics, health professionals and members of the public (N = 60). Small-group discussions on responsibility for preconception health improvement were audio-recorded and transcribed alongside notes from online whiteboards and paper-based flipcharts. Using framework analysis, we applied a deductive coding framework derived from the workshop questions. Attendees felt a disproportionate burden of responsibility for preconception health improvement was placed on women, reflecting deeply entrenched gendered norms within research, healthcare and broader societal structures. Attendees' recommendations centred around (i) society, community and culture, (ii) education and early awareness, (iii) considerations for future research, and (iv) systems-level and policy solutions. These findings provide valuable insights for developing equitable public health strategies and research agendas relating to preconception health.