title: Systematic development of an evidence-based website on preconception care.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In February 2015, the Flemish Minister of Welfare, Public Health and Family launched a website on preconception care: 'gezondzwangerworden.be'. The website was developed in response to the lack of comprehensive communication on preconception care and the inadequate intake of folic acid among Flemish women. Despite the international recommendation to take 400 μg folic acid on a daily basis one month before conception until 12 weeks of pregnancy, studies show a lack of compliance in women wanting to become pregnant.
  
  
  METHODS
  A compilation of evidence was made through reviewing well-established guidelines on preconception and prenatal care. The quality of guidelines was assessed by means of AGREE II. The topics included in the website were selected by an internal committee of 5 experts and an external committee of 16 experts. Content validation was carried out by 40 experts in preconception care or related topics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The above-described procedure resulted in an evidence-based website with a selection of relevant, validated information for both women and men who plan a pregnancy and professionals who are consulted by these people. Evaluation and recommendation: The website is currently attracting a constant number of 100 to 200 visitors a day. The information on folic acid is among the most requested, which is an important finding with regard to the policy objectives on preconception care. More research is needed in order to evaluate the use and effect of the website more thoroughly.
authors: a Department of Midwifery , Health Education, Vives University College , Kortrijk , Belgium.
authors: Ilse
authors: I
authors: Delbaere
authors: a Department of Midwifery , Health Education, Vives University College , Kortrijk , Belgium.
authors: Pascale
authors: P
authors: Mokangi
authors: b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Ghent University Hospital , Ghent , Belgium.
authors: Kristien
authors: K
authors: Roelens
authors: c Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium.
authors: An
authors: A
authors: De Sutter
authors: d Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Biosciences Engineering , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium.
authors: Xavier
authors: X
authors: Gellynck
authors: e University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Public Health , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium.
authors: Dimitri
authors: D
authors: Beeckman
authors: f Public Health Agency 'Zorg & Gezondheid' , Flemish Government , Brussels , Belgium.
authors: Liselot
authors: L
authors: van de Walle
authors: f Public Health Agency 'Zorg & Gezondheid' , Flemish Government , Brussels , Belgium.
authors: Pieter
authors: P
authors: Vandenbulcke
authors: d Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Biosciences Engineering , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium.
authors: Hans
authors: H
authors: De Steur
keywords: Evidence-based; folic acid; guideline; information; preconception care; prevention