Preconception care as a public health strategy: A comparative analysis of international frameworks and the healthcare system in Kazakhstan

Sharapat Moiynbayeva, К.К. Kurakbayev, N.N. Assankhan

2026

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DOI 10.37800/rm.2.2026.766
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

Relevance: Preconception care (PCC) is increasingly recognized as a critical component of preventive medicine and reproductive health systems, aimed at improving maternal and perinatal outcomes. Despite growing international attention, the implementation and organization of PCC vary significantly across countries. This study aimed to analyze the organization of preconception care for women of reproductive age in the Republic of Kazakhstan and compare it with contemporary international models to identify key gaps and priority areas for system improvement. Methods: A narrative review with elements of comparative policy analysis was conducted. The analysis was based on peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, as well as international guidelines and national regulatory documents related to preconception care. Publications from 2015 to 2025 were prioritized. A comparative analytical framework was applied to assess key dimensions, including institutionalization, regulatory environment, target population, integration into primary health care, scope of interventions, digitalization, and multidisciplinary involvement. Results: The findings indicate that preconception care has evolved from a narrowly defined clinical intervention into a comprehensive public health strategy grounded in a life-course approach. International models are characterized by broader population coverage, multidisciplinary integration, and increasing use of digital tools. In Kazakhstan, PCC is highly institutionalized and integrated into primary health care; however, it remains primarily focused on women planning pregnancy and is largely biomedical in orientation. Key gaps include limited population-level coverage, insufficient integration of psychosocial determinants, and underdeveloped digital infrastructure. Conclusions: While Kazakhstan has established a strong regulatory framework for preconception care, further development is required to align with international best practices. Expanding target populations, strengthening multidisciplinary and intersectoral approaches, and implementing digital health solutions are essential for improving the effectiveness and sustainability of PCC.