Using Intervention Mapping for a Needs Assessment on Preconception Care in Suriname: The Perisur Project

Background: Every year approximately 10,000 babies are born in Suriname of which an estimated 400 die in the perinatal period. The main purpose of the Perisur project is to improve perinatal outcomes and improve under-five and maternal health. This study focused on introducing preconception care in Suriname. Methods: Intervention Mapping was used as guiding framework and we focused on its first the needs assessment. Step: A mixed method study with a sequential design was performed. The PRECEDE model served as tool to conceptualize the needs. Results: Twenty-nine stakeholders responded to a web-based survey (response rate 41%). Important preconception risk factors included hypertension, diabetes mellitus and teenage pregnancies. Six interviews were conducted, identifying various perspectives on preconception problems and its causes. Lack of pregnancy planning was assessed as most alarming risk behaviour, causing two preconception problems: unplanned and teenage pregnancies. A sample of thirty-nine potential end-users (pregnant women) completed a survey on preconception counselling: 76% found preconception counselling important and 46% considered going. As a final step, we derived the following program goals: improve education, (equal) access to care services, risk awareness and risk perception; and increase the number of women preparing their pregnancy (e.g. via preconception counselling). Conclusion: This study made a first step in developing a tailored preconception care program to improve perinatal outcomes in Suriname. The methodological approach in this study provides a basis for future preconception care interventions within the Perisur project.