International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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20 pages, 862 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Laying the Foundation for Pregnancy Physical Activity Profiling: A Framework for Providing Tailored Physical Activity Advice and Guidance to Pregnant Women

by Marlize De Vivo and Hayley Mills

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5996; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115996 - 3 Jun 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2820

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the predictive utility of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) in explaining pregnant women’s physical activity (PA) intentions and behaviour and to scrutinise the role of past behaviour within this context. Pregnant women (n [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to examine the predictive utility of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) in explaining pregnant women’s physical activity (PA) intentions and behaviour and to scrutinise the role of past behaviour within this context. Pregnant women (n = 89) completed the pregnancy physical activity questionnaire (PPAQ) and newly developed TPB questionnaire on two separate occasions during their pregnancy. Analyses were carried out in relation to three scenarios. Firstly, when considering the original TPB, intention emerged as the strongest determinant of pregnant women’s PA behaviour. Secondly, controlling for past behaviour attenuated the influence of intention and perceived behavioural control on behaviour, with neither of the original variables providing a unique influence. Finally, the addition of past behaviour added significantly to the prediction of intention with the model as a whole, explaining 85% of the variance in pregnant women’s PA intention, and with past behaviour uniquely contributing 44.8% of the variance. Pregnancy physical activity profiling based on intention and behaviour status is subsequently introduced as a novel and practical framework. This provides healthcare professionals with the opportunity and structure to provide tailored advice and guidance to pregnant women, thereby facilitating engagement with PA throughout motherhood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Behaviour during Pregnancy and Postpartum)

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17 pages, 987 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Moving through Motherhood: Involving the Public in Research to Inform Physical Activity Promotion throughout Pregnancy and Beyond

by Victoria E. Salmon, Lauren R. Rodgers, Peter Rouse, Oli Williams, Emma Cockcroft, Kate Boddy, Luana De Giorgio, Ciara Thomas, Charlie Foster, Rosie Davies, Kelly Morgan, Rachel Jarvie, Christina Weis and Richard M. Pulsford

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4482; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094482 - 23 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3558

Abstract

Information received by women regarding physical activity during and after pregnancy often lacks clarity and may be conflicting and confusing. Without clear, engaging, accessible guidance centred on the experiences of pregnancy and parenting, the benefits of physical activity can be lost. We describe [...] Read more.

Information received by women regarding physical activity during and after pregnancy often lacks clarity and may be conflicting and confusing. Without clear, engaging, accessible guidance centred on the experiences of pregnancy and parenting, the benefits of physical activity can be lost. We describe a collaborative process to inform the design of evidence-based, user-centred physical activity resources which reflect diverse experiences of pregnancy and early parenthood. Two iterative, collaborative phases involving patient and public involvement (PPI) workshops, a scoping survey (n = 553) and stakeholder events engaged women and maternity, policy and physical activity stakeholders to inform pilot resource development. These activities shaped understanding of challenges experienced by maternity and physical activity service providers, pregnant women and new mothers in relation to supporting physical activity. Working collaboratively with women and stakeholders, we co-designed pilot resources and identified important considerations for future resource development. Outcomes and lessons learned from this process will inform further work to support physical activity during pregnancy and beyond, but also wider health research where such collaborative approaches are important. We hope that drawing on our experiences and sharing outcomes from this work provide useful information for researchers, healthcare professionals, policy makers and those involved in supporting physical activity behaviour. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Behaviour during Pregnancy and Postpartum)

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15 pages, 1098 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prenatal Counseling throughout Pregnancy: Effects on Physical Activity Level, Perceived Barriers, and Perinatal Health Outcomes: A Quasi-Experimental Study

by Shelly Ruart, Stéphane Sinnapah, Olivier Hue, Eustase Janky and Sophie Antoine-Jonville

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 8887; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238887 - 29 Nov 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2710

Abstract

Physical activity during pregnancy has many health benefits. However, the physical activity level is insufficient throughout pregnancy and women report perceived barriers to physical activity. This study assessed the impact of a counseling intervention offered in addition to routine pregnancy care on physical [...] Read more.

Physical activity during pregnancy has many health benefits. However, the physical activity level is insufficient throughout pregnancy and women report perceived barriers to physical activity. This study assessed the impact of a counseling intervention offered in addition to routine pregnancy care on physical activity patterns, perceived barriers, and perinatal health outcomes. A quasi-experimental trial was conducted in the Maternity Unit of a hospital in Guadeloupe (a French department). Ninety-six pregnant women were allocated to a control or intervention group. Regular physical activity counseling was dispensed to the women in the intervention group by trained healthcare providers. The physical activity level and the perceived barriers were assessed in each trimester. Outcomes for the perinatal health of the mother and child were measured throughout pregnancy and after delivery. The perceived barriers, such as a lack of information about the health benefits and risks over the two trimesters (all p < 0.05) and insecurity related to practice throughout pregnancy (all p < 0.05), were different in favor of the intervention group. There were no significant between-group differences for the major indices of physical activity, whether measured or reported. The intervention women reported significantly more sedentary activity compared with the control group in the third trimester, 64.7 (36.4–78.7) vs. 22.7 (9.4–49.8) MET-hours/week, respectively (p < 0.001). The perinatal health outcomes for the mother and child showed no significant differences. The intervention was unable to limit the decline in physical activity or improve health outcomes. However, it was associated with an improvement in the perception of barriers. Future research should focus on interventions that have a sufficient quantitative impact on perceived barriers in order to limit physical activity decline. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Behaviour during Pregnancy and Postpartum)

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17 pages, 856 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Developing a Physical Activity Intervention Strategy for Pregnant Women in Buffalo City Municipality, South Africa: A Study Protocol

by Uchenna Benedine Okafor and Daniel Ter Goon

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6694; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186694 - 14 Sep 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3582

Abstract

Despite global awareness about the importance and health benefits of physical activity (PA) during pregnancy, several studies have reported a low prevalence of PA participation among pregnant women in both developed and developing countries. This means that most pregnant women do not meet [...] Read more.

Despite global awareness about the importance and health benefits of physical activity (PA) during pregnancy, several studies have reported a low prevalence of PA participation among pregnant women in both developed and developing countries. This means that most pregnant women do not meet the current PA recommended guideline of 150 min of moderate intensity PA per week. The global call to prioritise PA participation levels in the general population necessitates evaluating the factors affecting PA practice. Seemingly, pregnant women mostly from low-to-middle income countries like South Africa are often predisposed to adverse pregnancy outcomes, possibly because of limited access to, and knowledge of, improved pregnancy and health outcomes as a result of PA participation. Physical activity has been sparsely studied among pregnant South African women, and specifically, there is no known study that assesses the PA levels, patterns, beliefs, sources of information, perceived benefits, barriers, attitudes of pregnant women concerning PA and exercise participation; nor one that explores the perspectives of healthcare providers regarding prenatal PA in the Eastern Cape Province. In addition, no PA intervention strategy exists to promote PA participation in the region. This study, in attempting to fill these gaps in knowledge, adopts two phases. In Phase I, a concurrent mixed-method (quantitative and qualitative) approach assesses the following factors related to PA participation in pregnant women: participation levels, beliefs, attitudes, perceived benefits, barriers to uptake and sources of information. It further ascertains if healthcare professionals are sufficiently informed about PA and if they are advising pregnant women about the need for PA participation during pregnancy. Data will be collected through a structured questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions. Information on socio-demographic and maternal characteristics will be obtained, and the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) will assess PA during pregnancy. A sample size of 384 pregnant women is the required minimum sample for an infinite population at a confidence level of 95%, a precision level of ± 5% and at a prevalence of PA or exercise during pregnancy of 50% (p < 0.05); however, a sample size larger than the minimum number necessary will be recruited to account for possible attrition and to protect against possible data loss. Data will be analysed using a multiple logistic regression to determine the factors that predict sedentary or moderate PA levels and chi-squared analysis to determine the associations between the PA levels of the participants and socio-demographic and clinical variables. The study will assess the data collected on the above-mentioned variables and draw conclusions based on patterns and themes that emerge during analysis. Phase II of the study focuses on strategy development and validation to facilitate the promotion of PA during pregnancy. The developed strategy will be validated through the application of the Delphi technique and the administration of a checklist to selected key stakeholders through organised workshops. Understanding the level and correlates of PA participation among this special population is fundamental to designing intervention strategies to enhance their understanding of, and participation in, PA and exercise. Furthermore, this study’s findings will inform facility-based healthcare providers about the need to integrate health education on PA and pregnancy into antenatal and postnatal care visits in the setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Behaviour during Pregnancy and Postpartum)

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12 pages, 327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validity and Reliability of the Korean Version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire

by Jeong-Won Han, Ji-Soon Kang and Hanna Lee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(16), 5873; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17165873 - 13 Aug 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2500

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to translate the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, a semi-quantitative tool that asks participants about time spent on 32 activities, into Korean and verify its validity and reliability. In total, 363 pregnant women under prenatal care at an [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to translate the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, a semi-quantitative tool that asks participants about time spent on 32 activities, into Korean and verify its validity and reliability. In total, 363 pregnant women under prenatal care at an obstetrics and gynecology hospital and a postpartum care facility in Gyeonggi-do completed the Korean version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. The questionnaire’s content validity, construct validity, concurrent validity, and reliability were verified. After verifying the validity of the contents of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, all the questions were included in the Korean version. For construct validity, we divided the participants into primipara and multipara groups based on their delivery history. On comparison of the two groups’ physical activity based on the responses to the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, there was a statistically significant difference in the total activity (t = −4.56, p < 0.001) and the total activity (light activity or more) (t = −5.80, p < 0.001). The correlation between the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was tested to establish concurrent validity, and a significant correlation was found between all items except for vigorous physical activity. The Guttmann reliability coefficient by the odd-even method was 84. The Korean version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire is a suitable tool to measure the physical activity of pregnant women and can be used in clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Behaviour during Pregnancy and Postpartum)

9 pages, 291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Concurrent Acceptability of a Postnatal Walking Group: A Qualitative Study Using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability

by Neli Pavlova, Megan Teychenne and Ellinor K. Olander

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(14), 5027; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17145027 - 13 Jul 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4096

Abstract

Walking groups are often enjoyed by postnatal women, but little is known about what makes them an acceptable activity to this group. This study aimed to investigate the acceptability of a postnatal walking group using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). Seventeen postnatal [...] Read more.

Walking groups are often enjoyed by postnatal women, but little is known about what makes them an acceptable activity to this group. This study aimed to investigate the acceptability of a postnatal walking group using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). Seventeen postnatal women took part in a walk-along interview during a walking group session. Semi-structured interviews were based on the TFA and findings were analysed deductively onto the seven TFA components. Overall, the walking group was found to be acceptable. Benefits included meeting other mothers and walking in an accessible and convenient location. Women understood the group aim of supporting new mothers and thought it achieved this aim. Most women reported that attending the group was little effort, although for some the timing did not fit well with their baby’s schedule. Participants stated that meeting other mothers and being physically active aligned with their value system. In conclusion, the acceptability of the walking group was found to be multifaceted, of which enjoyment was one part. These findings can be used when advertising other walking groups or physical activities for the postnatal population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Behaviour during Pregnancy and Postpartum)

17 pages, 1259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Accounts for Physical Activity during Pregnancy? A Study on the Sociodemographic Predictors of Self-Reported and Objectively Assessed Physical Activity during the 1st and 2nd Trimesters of Pregnancy

by Ana Mendinueta, Haritz Esnal, Haritz Arrieta, Miren Arrue, Nerea Urbieta, Itziar Ubillos, Kristina W. Whitworth, Xavier Delclòs-Alió, Guillem Vich and Jesus Ibarluzea

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2517; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072517 - 7 Apr 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3792

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy has positive health implications for both mother and child. However, current literature indicates that not all pregnant women meet the international recommendations for PA (at least 150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous PA). The main objective of this study was [...] Read more.

Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy has positive health implications for both mother and child. However, current literature indicates that not all pregnant women meet the international recommendations for PA (at least 150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous PA). The main objective of this study was to assess PA levels among pregnant women in the city of Donostia-San Sebastian and identify their main sociodemographic predictors. We recruited 441 women in the 12th week of pregnancy from the local public obstetric health services. Women wore an accelerometer for one week during two separate time points (1st and 2nd trimesters of pregnancy) and completed a questionnaire assessing several sociodemographic variables as well as self-reported PA. With this information, we estimated women’s overall PA levels during both time points. The fulfillment of PA recommendations raised up to 77% and 85% during the first and second trimesters, respectively. We found that a higher number of children and a greater preference for exercise positively predicted light-to-moderate PA, being the most consistent predictors. The availability of a greater number of cars negatively predicted moderate-to-vigorous PA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Behaviour during Pregnancy and Postpartum)

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9 pages, 296 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

Encouraging Physical Activity during and after Pregnancy in the COVID-19 Era, and beyond

by Lou Atkinson, Marlize De Vivo, Louise Hayes, Kathryn R. Hesketh, Hayley Mills, James J. Newham, Ellinor K. Olander and Debbie M. Smith

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7304; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197304 - 7 Oct 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5115

Abstract

Physical activity is known to decline during pregnancy and the postnatal period, yet physical activity is recommended during this time due to the significant health benefits for mothers and their offspring. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed to [...] Read more.

Physical activity is known to decline during pregnancy and the postnatal period, yet physical activity is recommended during this time due to the significant health benefits for mothers and their offspring. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed to reduce infection rates, pregnant and postnatal women have experienced disruption not just to their daily lives but also to their pregnancy healthcare experience and their motherhood journey with their new infant. This has included substantial changes in how, when and why they have engaged with physical activity. While some of these changes undoubtedly increased the challenge of being sufficiently active as a pregnant or postnatal woman, they have also revealed new opportunities to reach and support women and their families. This commentary details these challenges and opportunities, and highlights how researchers and practitioners can, and arguably must, harness these short-term changes for long-term benefit. This includes a call for a fresh focus on how we can engage and support those individuals and groups who are both hardest hit by COVID-19 and have previously been under-represented and under-served by antenatal and postnatal physical activity research and interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity Behaviour during Pregnancy and Postpartum)

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