Exploring male perceptions regarding the need to engage in preconception care - a mixed-method study amongst Dutch (prospective) fathers

While most preconception care (PCC) interventions are aimed at women, men are also in need of PCC to reduce risk factors affecting the spermatozoa quality. The objective of this study is to explore male perceptions regarding the need to engage in PCC.In a mixed-method cross-sectional study, 229 men participated with a questionnaire and 14 individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. Questionnaires data were analysed using multiple regression analyses. The interviews were analysed using thematic analyses.Most men did not retrieve preconceptional information (Despite high awareness of the positive influence of a healthy lifestyle, the perceived need for preparing for pregnancy among men remains low. Tailoring preconceptional information towards male needs provides a window of opportunity to improve men's reproductive health and possibly the health of future generations.