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Positive changes in social cognitive theory constructs are associated with weight loss in low-income postpartum women. Dietary restraint, weight-management skills, weight loss self-efficacy, and reductions in total and discretionary energy are modifiable factors that should be emphasized in interventions designed for this population, but only dietary restraint and total energy intake were predicted in the model.

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Early postpartum is a critical period that may influence weight status later in life. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate the Eating Stimulus Index (ESI) to examine motivations to eat during early postpartum. Subjects (n=179) were triethnic, low‐income, and 1.5‐4 months postpartum. Test‐retest reliability was assessed in low‐income women (n=31) and discriminant validity was established in university students (n=125). Total and subscale scores were calculated and Pearson's correlation and linear regression were used to examine relationships to BMI kg/m2. Principal component analysis produced an 8‐factor structure that reflected environmental, biological, and psychological motivations to eat. The scale demonstrated good test‐retest reliability (ICC=0.83) and internal consistency reliability (a=0.54‐0.89). Students had significantly higher ESI scores than low‐income women (76.7±0.9 vs 73.9±0.8, P<0.05). Total scale scores were related to BMI in both mothers (P<0.05) and students (P< 0.05). Subscales of Convenience Eating (P<0.01), Emotional Eating (P<0.05), and Dietary Restraint (P<0.01) significantly predicted BMI in mothers and Social Acceptance (P<0.01) and Self‐Efficacy (P<0.01) were significant in students. Thus, the ESI is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used to assess motivations to eat during early postpartum. Supported by TX Coordinating Board, # UTA00‐377.

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