Use of e-modules to increase awareness and utilization of preconception care services in adolescents: an exploratory qualitative study

Education about preconception care services (PCS) with online methods through e-modules is known to be more flexible than face-to-face methods. However, the use of e-modules in raising awareness and utilization of PCS in adolescents has not been proven. This study aims to explore the role of e-modules in increasing awareness and utilization of PCS in adolescents. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in Sidemen Karangasem District, Bali, Indonesia. The exploration was carried out on adolescent girl members of Sekee Trune Truni (STT) Sidemin sub-district, a culture-based youth organization, aged 10–24 years old and unmarried. A total of 12 informants were involved in this study were selected by purposive methods consisting of adolescents, parents of adolescents, heads of health centers, obstetricians and gynecologists, and information technology experts. The criteria for informants included being domiciled in the Sidemen sub-district area and being willing to participate. Data was collected by the in-depth interview method at the residence of each informant. The interview was conducted for ± 30 min. Interview data were analyzed by thematic methods. Based on the results of the interview, it was found that adolescents’ perceptions of PCS were grouped into 4 themes, namely adolescent awareness of preconception health, intention of use, perception of use, and perception of usefulness of PCS use. The sub-themes of this study consist of new information, preparation for a healthy pregnancy since adolescence, the shame of visiting, negative stigma, easy service procedures, available online services, and perceptions of the benefits of prevention efforts. The preconception health e-module increases awareness and utilization of PCS for adolescents. This study provides an understanding of optimal preconception health education methods for adolescents so that the use of PCS increases. This study suggests the use of e-modules to expand the range of education about PCS in adolescents.