Frontiers in Public Health (Sep 2015)
Experiences of lifestyle management and support during pregnancy: a qualitative study of the attitudes and experiences of pregnant women and healthcare professionals <br />
Abstract
Background Overweight and obesity during pregnancy is associated with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among other complications. Lifestyle interventions have been shown to be effective in this population however, studies often fail to identify the mechanisms by which the intervention is expected to be effective. Aims Our aim is to identify the barriers and enablers to behaviour change from the perspective of overweight and obese pregnant women and healthcare providers (HCP) in order to inform the development of a technology supported lifestyle intervention. Methods Semi-structured interviews are being conducted with a purposive sample of overweight or obese women at different stages of pregnancy, recruited from a public antenatal clinic in a large academic maternity hospital in Cork (CUMH) (n=15-20). A purposive sample of HCP will also be recruited (n=10-15). The Framework approach is being used for analysis, drawing on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the COM-B model of behaviour change. Results Preliminary analysis of pilot interviews with HCPs suggests that pregnancy is ‘a wake-up call’ for some women as the risks of overweight and obesity are made explicit. Social influences were identified as a potential facilitator; HCP suggested behaviour change was easier for pregnant women when supported by their partners. HCPs identified the environmental context and resources within the health system as barriers, particularly the lack of dedicated obesity clinics. Conclusion HCPs believe pregnancy offers a window of opportunity to change behaviour. However, there are limited resources available to them to support women to make these changes.
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