A new perspective on universal preconception care in China

Abstract

Many risk factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes can be identified and modified preconceptionally. Despite a broad consensus that preconception care should be provided to all couples of reproductive age, it has not been integrated in routine healthcare. There are several barriers to its implementation, and even in the most resourceful countries, it is only provided to some select high-risk groups, rather than being an organized healthcare service provision to all. Recently, China seems to be leading the way by implementing preconception care nationwide in all rural areas. Its National Free Preconception Health Examination Project is a unique model of comprehensive preconception care. Advantages of this ambitious project are now becoming evident and benefiting the most vulnerable sections of Chinese society. This commentary provides an overview of National Free Preconception Health Examination Project and highlights the concepts that could be further developed and adapted into a model of preconception care.

Retracted: ‘Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Preconception Period Among Women of Reproductive Age in Rural China – A Nationwide Study’

“…Trained local health workers collected baseline data from each participant using a questionnaire survey, obtained serum samples, performed a general physical examination to generate a standardised family health file, and entered data into the national database. [17][18][19] Detailed design, organisation, implementation and quality control of this project are described elsewhere. [17][18][19] Five millilitre of venous blood was collected from each participant and samples were stored at À30°C.…”

“…This study utilised data from the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project (NFPHEP), a nation-wide, population-based cross-sectional, study that was conducted between 2010-12 in 220 rural counties located in 31 provinces and municipalities of China. 17 The Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission and Ministry of Finance launched NFPHEP in 2010, providing 19 preconception health service items involving health education, health examination, risk assessment and medical consultation to married couples of reproductive age (21-49 years) planning a pregnancy within the next 6 months. [17][18][19] Couples had free access to preconception consultation/ counselling, reproductive health education and general health check-ups including laboratory tests, and received appropriate medical advice or were referred to specialised hospitals when indicated.…”

“…17 The Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission and Ministry of Finance launched NFPHEP in 2010, providing 19 preconception health service items involving health education, health examination, risk assessment and medical consultation to married couples of reproductive age (21-49 years) planning a pregnancy within the next 6 months. [17][18][19] Couples had free access to preconception consultation/ counselling, reproductive health education and general health check-ups including laboratory tests, and received appropriate medical advice or were referred to specialised hospitals when indicated. 17 The eligibility criteria for inclusion to the study were: women intending to get pregnant within 6 months and their willingness to accept the provided preconception healthcare.…”

“…[17][18][19] Couples had free access to preconception consultation/ counselling, reproductive health education and general health check-ups including laboratory tests, and received appropriate medical advice or were referred to specialised hospitals when indicated. 17 The eligibility criteria for inclusion to the study were: women intending to get pregnant within 6 months and their willingness to accept the provided preconception healthcare. Couples who failed to complete the examination or did not have HBV status checked were excluded.…”

China’s community-based strategy of universal preconception care in rural areas at a population level using a novel risk classification system for stratifying couples´ preconception health status

“…Therefore, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People’s Republic of China(NHFPC)launched the “National Preconception Health Care Project” (NPHCP) in 2010, focusing on rural areas and providing free PCC for the couples of reproductive age [19]. In this project, relevant preconception risk factors were classified according to their amenability to prevention and treatment.…”