A BSTRACT Preconception health is defined as the physical and psychological well-being of women and men throughout their reproductive life. It is a method that raises healthy fertility and focuses on activities that persons can take to minimize risks, raise healthy lifestyles, and increase preparation for pregnancy. The purpose of this systematic review study was to assess men’s knowledge of preconception health. Electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Sciencedirect, ProQuest, Cochrane, SAGE, Springer, Google Scholar, were searched for published studies from 2000 to March 2021 to identify the studies carried out on men’s knowledge of preconception health. The quality assessment was done using the critical appraisal skills program tool for qualitative studies and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cross-sectional studies. Of the 1195 references identified in the initial search, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Because of the diversity in the study design and the data collection tools used in studies, meta-analysis was impossible. All the studies of the present systematic review found that men’s preconception health knowledge is poor. This systematic review showed that men’s preconception health knowledge is low. Due to the limited studies of men’s knowledge about the importance of optimizing their health before pregnancy, further study of the issue is still required.

BACKGROUND: Male reproductive health is a necessary pillar of childbearing. If a reproductive health assessment is conducted in the preconception period, the chance of a healthy pregnancy can increase. This qualitative study aimed to explore men's reproductive health needs before conception in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was a qualitative study conducted in Bushehr city, Iran to explore men's reproductive health needs from April 2021 to November 2021. 30 semistructured interviews were conducted with married men, women, healthcare providers, and specialists individually in the health centers. The sampling method used in this study was purpose-based with maximum variety. All interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim in Persian and analyzed using directional content analysis. MAXQDA software version 12 was used to facilitate data analysis. RESULTS: From the data analysis, 2 themes, 15 categories, and 38 subcategories emerged. The themes included evaluation and health promotion recommendations. It consisted of 10 categories: reproductive life plan evaluation, medical history evaluation, family and genetic history evaluation, social history evaluation, sexual health evaluation, medication evaluation, laboratory evaluation, physical examination, lifestyle evaluation, and mental health evaluation. Health promotion recommendations included five categories: nutritional recommendations, stress management, avoiding harmful behaviors, protective measures against harmful exposure, and need for education. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that men need a comprehensive evaluation of reproductive health and recommendations to improve their health in the preconception period. Our study findings can inform healthcare providers to increase men's participation in reproductive health.

The focus of men’s health is within the context of preconception health and primary care, which involves a new method of engaging men’s attention to their preconception and general health. The aim of this review research is to offer health care practitioners a complete framework for men’s preconception care. From 2000 to October 2021, researchers examined electronic databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Cochrane, SAGE, Springer, UpToDate, and Google Scholar for published papers on men’s preconception care. Two independent authors assessed the quality of the included studies using techniques suitable for this type of investigation. Only 14 of the 835 studies that were found in the original search matched the inclusion criteria. Individual responsibility across the life span (evaluation of reproductive life plan, acquiring information about contraception) and risk assessment (age, medical and surgical history, medications, family history and genetic risks, social history, sexual health assessment, physical examination, laboratory testing, mental health, and intimate partner violence) are the two main topics of preconception care in men according to a review of studies. Our findings clearly demonstrated the critical components of a comprehensive preconception care approach for men. Therefore, preconception care for men remains a developing concept. Further research is required to develop standards for evaluating males during the preconception period.