WED-114 - Taking SHAPE: Peer Educators’ Insights on Promoting Preconception Health in College Settings
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM PST
Location: Plaza Foyer, Plaza Level
Area of Responsibility: Area III: Implementation Keywords: College Health@@@Health Promotion@@@Program Planning, Subcompetencies: 7.2.5 Implement training., 5.4.2 Use the results of the evaluation to inform next steps. Research or Practice: Practice
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Upon completion, participant will be able to explain the importance of preconception health for optimal health and future family planning.
Upon completion, participant will be able to identify the core components, structure, and peer education model of the SHAPE program and its relevance to preconception health promotion on college campuses.
Upon completion, participant will be able to understand findings from the first year of SHAPE implementation to identify barriers and facilitators for engaging students in preconception health education.
Brief Abstract Summary: Learn how the SHAPE program equips college students to serve as peer educators in preconception health, addressing gaps in awareness and engagement for young adults. Hear findings from focus groups and interviews with 15 peer educators, emphasizing the challenges they faced—such as limited awareness and resource constraints—as well as the creative strategies they used to reach their peers. Recognize the importance of ongoing training, culturally relevant resources, and institutional support in sustaining effective peer-led programs. Conclude with practical lessons that attendees can apply to design, adapt, and strengthen peer education models that promote preconception health in their own settings.
Detailed abstract description: Preconception health is vital for improving personal health and increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy. However, young adults often lack awareness of its importance for their overall and future health. Peer education effectively improves knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to preconception health among college students. While peer education has been studied in preconception health contexts within the US, there remains a gap in the literature regarding peer educators lived experiences, challenges, and perspectives. This presentation will describe the Students Helping Advance Preconception Education (SHAPE) program. This program, in collaboration with the local health department’s Improving Community Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health (ICO4MCH) office, trains college students to serve as peer educators promoting preconception health topics to their campus and surrounding communities. This study examined perspectives of 15 SHAPE peer educators at a Southeastern university through focus groups and interviews. We utilized a Rapid qualitative analysis to highlight key domains of program implementation, peer engagement, and educator development. Educators identified challenges such as limited awareness and resource constraints and provided innovative engagement strategies. The presentation will reveal what educators desire in terms of ongoing training, culturally tailored resources, and institutional support. Findings and the presentation will offer insights into the value of peer perspectives in strengthening preconception health promotion initiatives.
