A perspective of preconception health activities in the United States.
OBJECTIVE
Information regarding the type and scope of preconception care programs in the United States is scant. We evaluated State Title V measurement and indicator data and abstracts presented at the National Summit on Preconception Care (June 2005) in order to identify existing programs and innovative strategies for preconception health promotion.


METHODS
We used the web-based Title V Information System to identify state Performance Measures and Priority Needs pertaining to preconception health as reported for the 2005-2010 Needs Assessment Cycle. We also present a detailed summary of the abstracts presented at the National Summit on Preconception Care.


RESULTS
A total of 23 states reported a Priority Need that focused on preconception health and health care. Forty-two states and jurisdictions identified a Performance Measure associated with preconception health or a related indicator (e.g., folic acid, birth spacing, family planning, unintended pregnancy, and healthy weight). Nearly 60 abstracts pertaining to preconception care were presented at the National Summit and included topics such as research, programs, patient or provider toolkits, clinical practice strategies, and public policy.


CONCLUSIONS
Strategies for improving preconception health have been incorporated into numerous programs throughout the United States. Widespread recognition of the benefits of preconception health promotion is evidenced by the number of states identifying related indicators.
Boulet
Sheree L
SL
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS-E87, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA. sboulet@cdc.gov
Johnson
Kay
K
Parker
Christopher
C
Posner
Samuel F
SF
Atrash
Hani
H
D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000191:economics; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005380:Financing, Government; D006292:Health Priorities; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008429:Maternal Welfare / Q000191:economics; D020380:Needs Assessment; D016742:Preconception Care / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D016730:Program Development; D011635:Public Health Administration; D018456:Reproductive Medicine; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States