Important but far away: adolescents’ beliefs, awareness and experiences of fertility and preconception health

Abstract

Objectives: The aim was to explore adolescents’ beliefs and awareness regarding fertility and preconception health, as well as their views and experiences of information about fertility and preconception health directed at their age group.Methods: We performed seven semi-structured focus group interviews among upper secondary school students (n = 47) aged 16–18 years in two Swedish counties. Data were analysed by qualitative content analysis.Results: One theme (‘important but far away’) and five categories (‘starting a family far down on the list’; ‘high awareness but patchy knowledge of fertility and preconception health’; ‘gender roles influence beliefs about fertility and preconception health’; ‘wish to preserve fertility and preconception health in order to keep the door to procreation open’; ‘no panacea – early and continuous education about fertility and preconception health’) emerged from the interviews. Participants recognised the importance of preconception health and were highly aware of the overall importance of a healthy lifestyle. Their knowledge, however, was patchy and they had difficulties relating to fertility and preconception health on a personal and behavioural level. Participants wanted more information but had heterogeneous beliefs about when, where and how this information should be given.Conclusion: The adolescents wanted information on fertility and preconception health to be delivered repeatedly as well as through different sources.