Preconception Health Domains

A comprehensive health risk assessment is completed by participants at the beginning of the program. Modules presented in the system are tailored to the participant’s individual assessment, and additional health resources related to the health domains delineated below are provided as well.

In total, over 100 health-related risks are screened for that may effect the health status of the participant, their health during potential pregnancy, and the health status of possible children. The domains in the Gabby System were selected based on recommendations from the CDC to providers on areas that should be addressed to improve poor birth outcomes.

Health Domains Addressed in the Gabby System

• Access to Healthcare and Basic Needs: Ability to afford basic needs (utilities, housing, etc.), relationship with primary care provider, and health insurance coverage 
• Healthy Relationships: Current relationship status, self-perception of partner and interpersonal relationships (e.g. sense of safety and feeling of support among family and friends)
• Sexual and Reproductive Health: Use of contraception, childbirth history, and family planning
• Health Conditions and Medicines: Presence of heath conditions and use of over the counter and alternative medicine
• Genetic Health History: Presence of genetic and ethnic/race-specific health risks in participant, participant’s partner, and family medical history
• Emotional and Mental Health: Presence of chronic stress and other mental health challenges; partner and family’s mental health history
• Social Determinants of Health: Self-perception of discrimination and inequities experienced 
• Immunizations and Vaccines: Immunization history
• Environmental Issues: Environmental hazard exposure within the home and in the community
• Nutrition and Exercise: Participation in physical activity, quality of diet, BMI, use of nutritional supplements, and pregnancy specific nutritional risks (e.g. consumption of raw fish)
• Substance Use: Use of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit substances
• Infectious Disease: Risk of infectious disease contraction and history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

When participants first interact with Gabby and complete each module, they are assessed on their plans to change their health behaviors. Motivational interviewing techniques and interactive activities are integrated to promote behavior change.

^{Photo from Pexels.Com}