Integrating omega-3 testing into antenatal care: A qualitative study of women's experiences and perspectives of a test-and-treat program in South Australia.

PROBLEM: Complications of preterm birth are a leading cause of mortality among children under five. Omega-3 supplementation reduces this risk in women with low omega-3 status, yet implementation and the factors influencing consumer uptake remain underexplored. BACKGROUND: South Australia implemented a statewide Omega-3 Test-and-Treat Program offering free testing and supplementation advice. Understanding consumer-reported barriers and facilitators to participation is essential to inform implementation. AIM: This qualitative descriptive study explored women's experiences of the Omega-3 Test-and-Treat Program, including anticipated acceptability of testing and supplementation, to identify factors influencing uptake. METHODS: Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with women recruited via purposive, maximum-variation sampling; 16 underwent omega-3 testing and 14 did not. The interview guide was informed by the Health Belief Model as a sensitising framework, with inductive coding. FINDINGS: Women reported limited discussion of omega-3 testing and inconsistent communication from health professionals, and some participants described needing to self-advocate to access testing. Women navigated fragmented, contradictory information across social media, forums and peer networks in the absence of guidance. Logistical challenges included missed testing opportunities and difficulty selecting supplements. Women expressed willingness to test and supplement when informed of the benefits, though this did not always reflect uptake. Participants suggested consistent offering by health professionals, clearer protocols and accessible information could support participation. CONCLUSION: This study identifies consumer-reported barriers and facilitators to participation in an omega-3 testing and supplementation program, pointing to a need for standardised offering, clear communication of results and structured supplementation support, delivered through informed choice.