Preconception care (PCC) aims to promote maternal and child health by providing health support to improve the health condition of women and couples before conception (before pregnancy). It is implemented as an effective health policy for improvement in countries or regions with poor maternal and child prognosis, such as maternal death and perinatal death. Although these indicators have improved in Japan, there is a need for measures to improve the health indicators of children, men, and women, such as the birth rate of low birth weight infants, high cervical cancer incidence rate, and increase in the number of infertility patients. However, in Japan, it has not been sufficiently clarified the awareness and behavior of PCC or the effects of intervention for PCC.

　Therefore, to describe the actual state of awareness and behavior regarding PCC, we focused on young adults and conducted an Internet survey of men and women aged 18 to 24 living in Japan．

　While many participants knew about smoking during pregnancy and the place to receive consultation when they have been abused, only a small percentage knew about folic acid intake to reduce the risk of birth defects in the fetus and hormones related to menstruation

(Fig. 1). Therefore, healthcare providers must need to provide information on these contents for maintaining the health of the fetus and themselves throughout life. In the dietary habits survey, it seemed that the staple food of rice, the main dish of meat, eggs, soybean products, and the side dish of vegetables were taken evenly. However, about 30% of them ate fish less frequently than meat and took sugary drinks and fatty foods four or more days a week. Therefore, it may be necessary to review their eating habits. As for exercise habits, half of them who are not currently exercising answered that they have no intention of exercising in the future. Since maintaining an appropriate amount of physical activity is effective for maintaining health throughout life, our result showed the need for support to encourage young adults to increase their physical activity.

　Okinawa Prefecture has a high birth rate of low birth weight, young birth rate, and cervical cancer incidence rate in Japan, so it is necessary to develop strategies to improve these. We are planning to proceed with research targeting Okinawan residents.

（This work was supported by University of the Ryukyus Research Step up Grant for KAKENHI Acquisition (22SP12104)．

（Research leader　Yumiko Endoh）