Women's Preferences Research Articles

Research on the Impact of the Public Safety Emergencies on Women Riders’ Preference of Shanghai Real-Time Crowdsourcing Logistics Platform

This study explores the impact of public safety emergencies on the preferences of women riders within Shanghai’s real-time crowdsourcing logistics platform. It employs quantitative research methods, utilizing LDA topic modeling and ERNIE categorization model for data analysis. The research identifies six key topics influencing riders’ preferences: Tip Order Information, Sharing and Volunteering, Epidemic Delivery Rules, Quality of Work and Life, Epidemic Control Measures, and Liability Exemption and Reward. The study reveals a cognitive bias among riders towards positive utilities, indicating a generally optimistic emotional state which influences their utility preferences. The findings suggest that the riders prioritize social interests and responsibilities during the pandemic, demonstrating adaptability to new work environments and appreciation for supportive measures by platforms. The study provides insights into the nuances of women riders’ preferences, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies by platforms and authorities to enhance job satisfaction and address challenges faced by women riders.

The Effect of Fear of COVID-19 on the Birth Preferences of Pregnant Women

Deciding on the mode of birth related to the pregnant woman's own body will increase her self-confidence. It will reduce the anxiety caused by the adverse conditions caused by the pandemic process. It was aimed to examine the effect of fear of COVID-19 on the birth preferences of pregnant women.
 A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April 2021 with 631 pregnant women who were followed up in an crowded pandemic hospital in Turkey. The data were obtained through the Google online platform, the Questionnaire Form and the COVID-19 Fear Scale.
 This study 50.7% of the pregnant women gave vaginal birth before the COVID-19 pandemic, while 75.3% preferred vaginal birth during the pandemic. When the table is examined, the mother's fear of COVID-19 increased her choice of delivery method 96%.
 According to the findings of this study, fear of COVID-19 affected birth choice.

Expanding Labor Support Education to Nurses Caring for Women in Labor.

The ability to provide emotional and physical support to a patient during one of the most significant moments of her life is a privilege afforded to intrapartum nurses who attend to laboring and delivering patients. Labor support improves birth outcomes, reduces cesarean birth rates, and decreases anesthesia use. Within the hospital context, this quality improvement project investigated the effects of educating intrapartum nurses about labor support and providing them with hands-on training. Surveys, including the Self-Efficacy Labor Support Scale, were given preeducation and posteducation to evaluate and document knowledge acquisition. Results support teaching intrapartum nurses learning evidence-based labor comfort strategies to support a woman's labor preference.

Women's caesarean section preferences: A multicountry cross-sectional survey in low- and middle-income countries

ObjectiveTo measure the proportion of women's preferences for CS in hospitals with high caesarean section rates and to identify related factors. DesignA cross-sectional hospital-based postpartum survey was conducted. We used multilevel multivariate logistic regression and probit models to analyse the association between women's caesarean section preferences and maternal characteristics. Probit models take into account selection bias while excluding women who had no preference. SettingThirty-two hospitals in Argentina, Thailand, Vietnam and Burkina Faso were selected. ParticipantsA total of 1,979 post-partum women with no potential medical need for caesarean section were included among a representative sample of women who delivered at each of the participating facilities during the data collection period. FindingsThe overall caesarean section rate was 23.3 %. Among women who declared a preference in late pregnancy, 9 % preferred caesarean section, ranging from 1.8 % in Burkina Faso to 17.8 % in Thailand. Primiparous women were more likely to prefer a caesarean section than multiparous women (β=+0.16 [+0.01; +0.31]; p = 0.04). Among women who preferred caesarean section, doctors were frequently cited as the main influencers, and “avoid pain in labour” was the most common perceived benefit of caesarean section. Key conclusionsOur results suggest that a high proportion of women prefer vaginal birth and highlight that the preference for caesarean section is linked to women's fear of pain and the influence of doctors. These results can inform the development of interventions aimed at supporting women and their preferences, providing them with evidence-based information and changing doctors' behaviour in order to reduce the number of unnecessary caesarean sections. Clinical trial registryThe QUALI-DEC trial is registered on the Current Controlled Trials website (https://www.isrctn.com/) under the number ISRCTN67214403.

E-commerce Elegance: Examining the Role of Digital Marketing in Shaping Women's Cosmetic Preferences

Online advertisements have had a significant influence on the purchasing habits of the general public. In India, the most of the businesses are ditching the brick-and-mortar retail model in favour of online shopping. A slew of aspects in online advertising affect consumers' purchasing decisions. With the rise of new companies and online shopping sites, internet retailing in India is experiencing a surge in popularity. Women shoppers play a significant role in the growth of online shopping across an extensive array of of platforms and apps. As a result of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube as well as shopping apps like Mantra, Sephora, and Amazon and Myntra, women have access to a plethora of national and international cosmetic businesses through online advertising. It was an online advertising campaign that drove women in Haryana to emerge from their shells. The most pressing issue is how to use internet advertising to attract female customers to online and social media platforms. Researchers conducted this study to learn what factors influence women's preferences for different cosmetic goods, with a focus on how online marketing affect Haryana's women and the consequent shifts in their shopping behaviours. Findings from this study reveal a clear link between online advertising and how women chose cosmetic products while shopping online. Analytical surveying was the method used in this investigation. The goal of this research is in order to assess the effects of online marketing on Haryana women's purchasing habits for cosmetics. Explanatory inferences can be drawn from the findings of this study, which investigates variable-variable relationships. Research shows that women in Haryana are open to online advertisements for cosmetics on social media platforms, smartphone applications and retail websites.

Muslim Women's Experiences with Infertility: A Literature Review.

Infertility affects one in six women worldwide, playing a large role on an individual's psychosocial wellbeing and quality of life. The purpose of this review was to examine the experiences of Muslim women with infertility. A Prisma-guided literature review was conducted in Scopus, CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, PsychInfo, and Google Scholar. Sample inclusion criteria included research that examined the psychosocial consequences of infertility in women, used a qualitative design, were from a Muslim majority country or specified participants were Muslim, and were published in the English-language since 2013. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize the findings into themes. Fourteen qualitative studies that explored the experiences of Muslim women with infertility were included for analysis. Women's responses were categorized into three focus areas: (1) emotional responses, (2) interpersonal relationships, and (3) social relationships. From these focus points, six overarching themes were identified that illustrated the challenges faced by Muslim women experiencing infertility: (1) identity crisis, (2) low self-esteem and depression, (3) abuse and harassment, (4) a weakened marital bond, (5) stigma, and (6) social exclusion and isolation . Review of the literature provided an initial entrée into understanding the experiences of Muslim women with infertility. Understanding the unique role of infertility within a religious community equips nurses and other providers with the knowledge that discussions surrounding infertility must be conducted with cultural sensitivity. Further research should be conducted to explore and offer culturally tailored educational materials that align with the religious preferences of Muslim women.

The impact of female education on fertility: evidence from Malawi Universal Primary Education program

Abstract This paper examines the impact of female education on fertility outcomes by using the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program in Malawi as a natural experiment. The finding indicates that the UPE policy improves rural women's educational attainment by 0.42 years and an additional year of female education decreases women's number of children ever born and the number of living children by 0.39 and 0.34, respectively. An analysis of potential mechanisms suggests that the decreased fertility rates are likely driven by the reduction in women's fertility preferences, the postponement of marriage, and the delay of motherhood. Contrarily, the study finds no evidence that increased female education affects women's labor force participation and the use of modern contraception.

Knowledge, Practices and Attitudes of Traditional Birth Attendants towards Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Malaria Prevention among Pregnant Women within Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria

Intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) for malaria among pregnant women is a recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat the various adverse outcomes of malaria in pregnant women. This adverse outcomes includes low birth weight, preterm delivery, severe anemia, maternal morbidity and mortality especially among primigravids. Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) has emerged as a significant influence in our society, particularly in the realm of maternal care and childbirth. Several economic, religious and socio-cultural factors have contributed to the preference of some pregnant women for the services of TBAs over medical facilities. Therefore, the study was carried out to assess the knowledge, practices and attitudes of traditional birth attendants within Ondo West Local Government area towards IPT for pregnant women reporting to them for care and delivery. The design employed in the study was descriptive cross-sectional survey. Data were collected by means of an adapted semi-structured interviewer administered-questionnaire. The analysis of the data was done using SPSS version 26.0. Demographic parameters were summarized with simple percentages and non-parametric chi-square test was used to determine the different associations of the variables. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The findings indicated that most of the TBAs have good knowledge of the malaria vector and factors promoting the transmission of malaria. Majority (mean=82.9%) also demonstrated excellent understanding of the symptoms associated with malaria in pregnancy however, their knowledge on the risk associated with malaria in a pregnant woman remains comparably low (mean=61.1%) thereby affecting significantly their attitudes and practice to intermittent preventive treatment for malaria prevention. This is because 50% of the TBA have not heard about IPT (P=0.01) and therefore do not administer treatment to asymptomatic pregnant women as recommended by WHO (P=0.00) and report of this study shows that majority (57.40%) of them attend to more than 31 pregnant women in a year. There is need for a government-sponsored partnership between formal health workers and TBAs in this study to ensure they are trained, retrained and equipped. The integration of the TBAs into maternal health care will ensure the sustenance of government policy on the free treatment of all pregnant women intermittently for malaria as recommended by WHO.

The lived experiences and treatment needs of women with opioid use disorder and posttraumatic stress symptoms: A mixed methods study

IntroductionWomen show a gender-specific risk for co-occurring opioid use disorder (OUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Expert groups have called for the development of integrated treatments for women with OUD/PTSD, but there remains limited information on such interventions. MethodsThis mixed-methods study interviewed and surveyed 10 women with current or past OUD and co-occurring posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and 16 providers who work with these women. Interviews and surveys queried patient participants' and providers' experiences of OUD/PTSS and how to best design an integrated, trauma-focused treatment for OUD/PTSD. ResultsPatient participants (90 % white, 90 % mothers, Mage = 45.70) met criteria for severe, lifetime OUD and 40 % met a provisional diagnosis for PTSD. Four themes emerged for participants' experiences of OUD/PTSS: 1) numerous stressors; 2) shame; 3) multiple motivations to use opioids; and 4) a cycle of trauma and opioid use. Four themes emerged regarding patient participants' perceptions on the development of an OUD/PTSD treatment: 1) mixed attitudes towards medications for OUD; 2) barriers to treatment (e.g., insufficient treatments and contextual factors); 3) treatment facilitators (e.g., social support); and 4) preferences in treatment (e.g., trauma-focused, gender-focused, family content, ambivalence around group therapy). Providers (Mage = 38.94) were primarily white women (76.5 %). Two themes emerged from their experiences working with women with OUD/PTSS: 1) perceiving women to use opioids to regulate emotions and 2) gender differences in trauma types. Three themes emerged for providers' perceptions on the development of an OUD/PTSD treatment: 1) barriers to treatment (e.g., chaotic lives, contextual factors, family); 2) treatment facilitators (e.g., trust and external motivations); and 3) desired treatment modifications (e.g., stabilization, early skills in therapy, flexibility in therapy, social supports, safety guidelines, and assistance in identifying an index trauma). Most participants (90.0 %) and providers (93.5 %) preferred working on OUD/PTSD symptoms simultaneously rather than separately. ConclusionsFindings demonstrate the need to modify integrated treatments to meet the preferences of providers and women with OUD/PTSS and OUD/PTSD. Treatments should consider therapeutic content, structure, contextual factors, social support, and PTSD severity to enhance uptake and reach.

What Breast Cancer Screening Program do Rural Women Prefer? A Discrete Choice Experiment in Jiangsu, China.

Chinese rural women aged 35-64 years are encouraged to complete breast cancer screening (BCS) free of charge. However, it is challenging to reach a satisfying BCS uptake rate. In this study, rural women's preferences and preferences heterogeneity were measured for the development of strategies to enhance participation in BCS. A cross-sectional survey with a discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted via convenience sampling via face-to-face interviews in Jiangsu, China. Six DCE attributes were identified through a systematic literature review; our previous study of Chinese rural women's BCS intentions; a qualitative work involving in-depth interviews with rural women (n = 13), medical staff (n = 4), and health care managers (n = 2); and knowledge of realistic and actionable policy. The D-efficient design was generated using Ngene 1.3.0. A mixed logit model (MXL) in Stata 18.0 was used to estimate the main effect of attribute levels on rural women's preferences. The relative importance and willingness to utilize BCS services (WTU) were also estimated. The heterogeneous preferences were analyzed by a latent class model (LCM). Sociodemographic status was used to predict the characteristics of class membership. The WTU for different classes was also calculated. A total of 451 rural women, aged 35-64 years, were recruited. The MXL results revealed that the screening interval (SI) was the most important attribute for rural women with regard to utilizing BCS services, followed by the level of screening, the attitude of medical staff, ways to get knowledge and information, people who recommend screening, and time spent on screening (TSS). Rural women preferred a BCS service with a shorter TSS; access to knowledge and information through multiple approaches; a shorter SI; a recommendation from medical staff or workers from the village or community, and others; the enthusiasm of medical staff; and medical staff with longer tenures in the field. Two classes named "process driven" and "efficiency driven" were identified by the preference heterogeneity analysis of the LCM. There is a higher uptake of breast cancer screening when servicesare tailored to women's preferences. The screening interval was the most important attribute for rural women in China with a preference for a yearly screening interval versus longer intervals.

Breast cancer prevention behaviour of nurses and midwives - introduction to the discussion

Introduction Nurses and midwives are a large and therefore very important - for the population effect of many public health activities - group of health care professionals. Breast cancer prevention is one of them.
 Aim of the study The aim of the study was to initiate a discussion on the decision-making processes related to the reporting of breast cancer screening by nurses and midwives. The discussion was prompted by the diagnosis of analogous behaviours in a selected group of nurses and midwives working in a selected hospital.
 Material and methods A total of 118 nurses and midwives working in one of the Podkarpackie hospitals were studied. A diagnostic survey was used with an author's questionnaire prepared for this study with elements of a knowledge test. The study was conducted in January 2023.
 Results In the group of nurses and midwives aged 50 years and older, 10% of nurses and 33.3% of midwives had never performed mammography. Breast ultrasound had never been performed by 25% of nurses and 23.8% of midwives. The reasons for this are varied and stem from both the family experience of the respondents and personal health concerns and beliefs. In the light of the review, it was shown that the participation of nurses and midwives in breast cancer prevention programmes requires a special approach in the design of such programmes and the attitude of nurses and midwives towards participation in oncology screenings demonstrates the need for special support for this group in their decisions.
 Conclusions There is an urgent need to use different approaches and models in the preparation of modern decision aids for women recipients of oncology prevention programmes that take into account the trade-offs and preferences of women from both groups - medical women and their clients.
 
 

(041) What Penis Size and Glans-Shape do Cis and Trans Men and Women Prefer?

Abstract Introduction The ideal length, circumference, and appearance of the penis are important to the self-confidence and body image of most men. To date, only 2 works have assessed preferred erect (but not flaccid) penis length, and only among cis-gender women. No study has evaluated preferred aesthetics--ideal erect and flaccid penile length, or, glans-shape and size preferences among cis-gender and transgender and non-binary individuals. These preference domains are especially important with genital gender-affirming surgery (gGAS) because length and glans-shape are entirely elective and technique-based, and help define neophallus appearance. Lastly, outlining the planned glans shape on a neophallus can be technically challenging, and, to date no publications have reported offering trans men input/choices. Objective 1) To query ideal for flaccid and erect penis length across all individuals, across cis- and transgender identities; 2) Determine specific likes/dislikes among all subjects for 7 different glans-shape examples; and 3) Among men undergoing phalloplasty, creation of glans-shape stencils for use in the OR, as a means to offer patients choice, and, to ensure that the final product aligns with patient’s choice. Methods An anonymous, online survey (QualtricsTM) evaluated glans preferences among 7 realistic prosthetic penis models shown. Participants were queried about their age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, and their ideal flaccid and erect penis length. Stencils were created based on 6 penis models. Subsequently, 7 transmen-subjects were able to choose the most-preferred glans shape and the stencil was applied before glansplasty surgery (Figure 1). Glansplasty results were assessed 12-weeks post-operatively (Figure 1c;E-F). Results 74 participants took the survey, (mean age of 35.3, Range: 23–59). 43/74 (58%) self-identified as men, and 28/74 (38%) identified as men, including 7 trans men (Table 1a). Men reported a mean ideal flaccid and erect length of 4.5 and 6.3-inches, respectively, while women reported a length of 5.2 inches and 6.16-inches, respectively. Women had a wider range of responses for both ideal flaccid and erect penile length (p>0.05) (Table 1b). For glans-shape preference, across all groups (independent of sex or sexuality), the “most-liked” options were A and E, and “most-disliked” were B and D (Figure 2). Among the 7 transmen undergoing glansplasty, 5/7 (71%) chose glans-shape C, and 1/7 (14%) each chose glans-shapes A and E, for their own phallus. Conclusions This is the first study to survey both men and women regarding ideal erect penile length, and the first regarding ideal flaccid penile length and glans-shape preferences. Our data suggests that the ideal erect and flaccid length are longer (within 2SD) than the mean values for cis-men of 5.16-inches and 3.61-inches respectively, (Miles et al., BJUI, 2014) but there is greater variability among women’s responses. Regarding glans-shape, most preferred a more tapered, bullet-like tip for the distal glans and a less prominent glans ridge. Finally, our glansplasty stencils are easy to use, yield excellent aesthetic results, and the option to choose their own glans shape is highly appreciated by patients. Disclosure No.

IDF23-0358 Health educational needs and preferences of women with gestational diabetes: a mixed methods systematic review

IDF23-0358 Health educational needs and preferences of women with gestational diabetes: a mixed methods systematic review

Explaining uncertainty in women's fertility preferences

People's fertility preferences are often considered an important determinant of fertility. What is often neglected in studies of preferred fertility, is the uncertainty that people may have about their preferences. In this study, using data on Dutch women through the Longitudinal Internet studies for the Social Sciences (collected early 2018), we examined women's fertility preferences and asked detailed questions about the certainty of these preferences. We also examined whether women agreed with their partner on preferred family size, and to what extent partner (dis)agreement shaped uncertainty. We show that Dutch women expressed much uncertainty about their fertility preferences, with only one-third feeling strongly about their preferences. Uncertainty strongly increased when women preferred higher numbers of children, whereas already having children reduced it. Women who wanted no children were most certain about their preference. Higher preferred family sizes also led to more disagreement with the partner about these preferences, and greater partner disagreement, in turn, led to more uncertainty. These findings imply that people are more likely to downgrade their fertility preferences than to increase them, as women are more certain about their preferences for lower numbers of children and are more open to family sizes below than above their preferred choice. Partner disagreement is often resolved by not having (more) children, lowering realised fertility. Hence, these findings provide another explanation for why many people have fewer children than desired.

Perempuan Sebagai Pemilih : Isu Utama, Preferensi, dan Dampaknya terhadap Pemilu 2024

This article aims to depict the main issues, political preferences, and the impact of women's participation as voters in the 2024 elections in Indonesia. Through qualitative descriptive research with the methodology of literature review, an analysis is conducted on the conditions of gender equality and sexual violence in Indonesia, considering women's political preferences in legislative and presidential elections, and discussing their impact on the strengthening of democracy in Indonesia. It is found that gender equality and sexual violence issues are the primary focus for women in the 2024 elections. Women's political preferences tend to be influenced by the personality and background of candidates. The participation of women as voters can have a positive impact on creating policies that are responsive to various women's issues. This research also underscores two crucial aspects: the importance of the role of political parties, candidates, and presidential candidates as contestants in elections to present concrete solutions to women's issues packaged in tangible programs or missions. Additionally, this article emphasizes that the success of elections is not only seen in their procedures but also in their substance, which must provide solutions or answers to women's issues in Indonesia.

The Relationships between Drought Exposure, Fertility Preferences, and Contraceptive Behaviors: A Multicountry Study.

The interplay between population dynamics and the environment has long interested demographers. Although studies have explored how climate patterns affect macrolevel population processes, such as mortality and migration, little is known about their impact on individual-level demographic behaviors. This study fills this research gap by examining the linkages between exposure to drought and women's fertility preferences and contraceptive behaviors in sub-Saharan Africa. We analyze data from the Demographic and Health Surveys Program, focusing on 17 countries in East, Southern, and West Africa. We investigate whether women's recent exposure to drought episodes in their community affects their fertility preferences and modern contraceptive use. Generally, the findings show that drought is relevant to understanding women's fertility preferences and behaviors in the vast majority of countries; however, drought exposure has variable impacts. Moreover, whereas in some countries, drought exposure encourages contraceptive behaviors that align with women's preferences, in select countries it is associated with behavior that is misaligned with women's stated preferences. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of examining climate events as complex forces that have localized meanings for demographic outcomes.

Exploring women's strong preference for women surgeons in breast healthcare.

This study challenges the prevalent belief that surgical roles demand masculine traits, potentially limiting women's suitability for such positions. Contrary to this stereotype, we explored the hypothesis that in sensitive surgical procedures, where communal traits are valued, women patients might favor women surgeons. Two experimental studies investigated women's preferences for a man versus a woman surgeon in a breast exam and breast surgery. In two studies we experimentally tested women's preferences for a man versus a woman surgeon for a breast exam (a noninvasive and non-complicated procedure), and breast surgery (an invasive and more complicated procedure). Study 2 delved into factors influencing these preferences, including patients' age, stereotypical perceptions of women surgeons as communal/warm, past negative experiences with men and women doctors, and previous body-related trauma. Women consistently preferred a woman surgeon for both procedures and expressed increased willingness to wait for an appointment with a woman surgeon. However, this preference was less pronounced for surgery than for an exam. Study 2 identified the stereotypical perception of women surgeons as communal/warm as the strongestpredictor for this preference, along with previous negative experiences with men doctors and age. While some gender bias persists, this study underscores a notable preference for women surgeons in intimate medical services like breast exams or surgery. This preference holds practical implications for healthcare providers encouraging women's preventive checkups and offers insights for women medical students making residency choices.

A Study on Matrimonial Sites in India

The two major objectives of the present study are 1) to understand the socio-economic and demographic profile of a sample of individuals who are currently registered on a matrimonial site. 2) To discover the differences in partner preferences of men and women on matrimonial sites, apart from noting their experience of being on matrimonial sites. A total of 103 respondents currently registered on a matrimonial site, took part in the study. The present study has led to two major findings- 1) Both male and female respondents are more dissatisfied than satisfied with the services provided via matrimonial sites. 2) Arranged marriage is taking a modern turn and has assumed some of the characteristics of modern dating sites. There is a growing concern about the business like nature of arranged marriage through matrimonial sites. There is excessive importance being given to the materialistic facets at the cost of other important variables such as personality, compatibility, and future plans. There is also a need to take greater efforts to filter fake profiles on matrimonial sites. Finally, the fact that people who had previously opted for paid membership are no longer willing to opt for it is an indication that the paid upgrades are not offering a satisfactory experience for the members. The need of the hour is for matrimonial sites to reduce their intense focus on economic variables and consider focusing on the other important factors that can help individuals find compatible partners.

A Study on Matrimonial Sites in India

The two major objectives of the present study are 1) to understand the socio-economic and demographic profile of a sample of individuals who are currently registered on a matrimonial site. 2) To discover the differences in partner preferences of men and women on matrimonial sites, apart from noting their experience of being on matrimonial sites. A total of 103 respondents currently registered on a matrimonial site, took part in the study. The present study has led to two major findings- 1) Both male and female respondents are more dissatisfied than satisfied with the services provided via matrimonial sites. 2) Arranged marriage is taking a modern turn and has assumed some of the characteristics of modern dating sites. There is a growing concern about the business like nature of arranged marriage through matrimonial sites. There is excessive importance being given to the materialistic facets at the cost of other important variables such as personality, compatibility, and future plans. There is also a need to take greater efforts to filter fake profiles on matrimonial sites. Finally, the fact that people who had previously opted for paid membership are no longer willing to opt for it is an indication that the paid upgrades are not offering a satisfactory experience for the members. The need of the hour is for matrimonial sites to reduce their intense focus on economic variables and consider focusing on the other important factors that can help individuals find compatible partners.

Assessment of women’s needs, wishes and preferences regarding interprofessional guidance on nutrition in pregnancy – a qualitative study

BackgroundA healthy nutrition in pregnancy supports maternal health and fetal development, decreasing the risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Guidance by prenatal care professionals can increase women’s awareness regarding the importance of nutrition in pregnancy and thereby contribute to a reduced risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the needs, wishes and preferences of pregnant women regarding the interprofessional guidance on nutrition in pregnancy.MethodsUsing a qualitative approach and a purposive maximum variation sampling strategy, 25 pregnant women were recruited to participate in six semi-structured, guideline-oriented online focus groups. In addition, two semi-structured, guideline-oriented interviews, with a midwife and an obstetrician, were conducted. The focus groups and interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analysed using a systematic deductive-inductive approach to qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz.ResultsFocus group participants covered diverse perspectives in terms of their age, different models of prenatal care as well as dietary forms from omnivorous to vegan. The majority of women perceived the guidance on nutrition during pregnancy as insufficient. Involved healthcare professionals, namely midwives and obstetricians, should provide more consistent information, especially to avoid uncertainties exacerbated by the internet and social media. There is a need for individual nutrition information regarding dietary supplements and the specifics of different dietary forms during pregnancy, such as a vegan diet. The majority of participants supported the integration of a free-of-charge professional nutrition counselling in prenatal care. Interviews with experts identified time pressure and the complexity of nutrition as a topic as the main obstacles in consultation settings. Both midwife and obstetrician emphasised the need for improved professional education on nutrition in pregnancy in their respective studies.ConclusionProfessional guidance for pregnant women on nutrition and uncertainties going along with certain forms of diet during pregnancy could alleviate the burden and overwhelming amount of web-based information. Additionally, information adapted to the needs, wishes and preferences of pregnant women would improve prenatal care through a more personalised approach. The quality of nutrition guidance in pregnancy should be improved by the implementation of this topic in the education of involved healthcare professionals.