Search

Introduction: To improve reproductive, maternal, and child health, preconception health (PCH) care that is innovative and generationally relevant is essential. In response, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) developed and tested an evidence-based PCH electronic intervention delivered in a primary care setting. The purpose of this study was to: (1) identify the prevalence of PCH risks among women of reproductive age, (2) determine the impact of the PCH intervention on knowledge and behaviour, and (3) assess the implementation of the intervention. Methods: The PCH intervention was designed as a cohort study using a mixed method approach. 300 women aged 15–49 years participated across seven primary care sites. The intervention was implemented using a three-part model. Participants: (1) completed a Risk Assessment (RA) on tablet with results sent to their electronic medical record, (2) discussed results with primary care providers (PCPs), (3) received handout with results and key messages. Data were collected from participants (RA and two surveys), and PCPs (interviews). Results: The RA screened for 34 PCH risk factors. The number of risks identified per participant ranged from 4 to 24, averaging 15. The majority reported a positive experience using the RA and would recommend the intervention. PCPs reported many practice benefits. The study highlights the positive influence that PCPs have around PCH. Discussion: The PCH intervention is the first of its kind in Canada. The intervention is an evidence-based population health approach that may help to improve reproductive, maternal and child health. Further research, evaluation and promotion is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canadians in their early twenties represent the highest prevalence of reported tobacco use among all age groups. With the majority of Canadian young adults accessing post-secondary education, post-secondary institutions can facilitate targeting of health promotion efforts to curb tobacco use among young adults. Effective targeting requires clear comprehensive campus tobacco policies. However, the development and implementation of comprehensive campus tobacco policies has been lacking among Canadian post-secondary institutions. As the first step towards the development of a comprehensive campus tobacco policy at the University of Guelph, an on-line survey of students, faculty and staff was conducted in November 2012. The objectives of this survey were two-fold: (1) Determine the current level of exposure to second-hand smoke on campus, the type and frequency of tobacco use, opinions on seven different tobacco policy options, and the level of awareness of current tobacco policies and programs and; (2) Determine if any associations between opinions on tobacco policy options and exposure to second-hand smoke and tobacco use existed. The results of this survey demonstrate that tobacco use is associated with opinions on tobacco policy options and that the level of awareness of tobacco policies and programs is relatively low and is not associated with tobacco use. This study represents one of the first studies to examine the association between tobacco use and support of policy options and awareness of tobacco policies and programs. As other post-secondary institutions develop comprehensive tobacco policies, these findings will serve as a comparison for other similar institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]