Diet and physical activity in pregnancy: a study exploring women's beliefs and behaviours

Chana, Rebecca; Haith-Cooper, Melanie

doi:10.12968/bjom.2019.27.5.297

Cited by 7 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…In this study, users also perceived the exercises performed by influencers as unachievable for themselves and made comparisons between the capabilities of the influencer and themselves [ 8 , 39 ]. This contrasts somewhat with previous research that suggests the ability of an influencer to perform difficult or advanced exercises while pregnant inspires some users to engage in similar exercises [ 40 ]. Our findings demonstrated positive attitudes of trust in the influencer’s knowledge, with users generally perceiving influencers as having expertise in exercise during pregnancy, and commenting about the inspiration and motivation they drew from the influencer.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 91%

“…Access to credible information affects both the attitudes towards exercise during pregnancy and a pregnant woman’s perceived behavioural control, which is the confidence, resources, and ability they have to overcome the barriers they experience [ 48 , 49 ]. Information about the risks, benefits, and prescription of exercise during pregnancy could improve the confidence of pregnant women, contribute to their sense of control to engage in exercise [ 49 ], improve attitudes towards exercise [ 32 ], and overall, encourage women to participate in exercise [ 40 ]. Advice received from healthcare providers about exercise during pregnancy is often conservative, likely owing to a lack of understanding or awareness on the part of the health professional [ 45 , 50 ], and may not include information about the safety and efficacy of resistance-based exercise using weights [ 51 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A mixed-methods exploration of attitudes towards pregnant Facebook fitness influencers

et al. 2023

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Background Exercise during pregnancy is associated with various health benefits for both mother and child. Despite these benefits, most pregnant women do not meet physical activity recommendations. A known barrier to engaging in exercise during pregnancy is a lack of knowledge about appropriate and safe exercise. In our current era of social media, many pregnant women are turning to online information sources for guidance, including social media influencers. Little is known about attitudes towards pregnancy exercise information provided by influencers on social media platforms. This study aimed to explore attitudes towards exercise during pregnancy depicted by social media influencers on Facebook, and user engagement with posted content. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used to analyse data from 10 Facebook video posts of social media influencers exercising during pregnancy. Quantitative descriptive analyses were used to report the number of views, shares, comments and emotive reactions. Qualitative analysis of user comments was achieved using an inductive thematic approach. Results The 10 video posts analysed were viewed a total of 12,117,200 times, shared on 11,181 occasions, included 13,455 user comments and 128,804 emotive icon reactions, with the most frequently used icon being ‘like’ (81.48%). The thematic analysis identified three themes associated with attitudes including [1] exercise during pregnancy [2] influencers and [3] type of exercise. A fourth theme of community was also identified. Most user comments were associated with positive attitudes towards exercise during pregnancy and the influencer. However, attitudes towards the types of exercise the influencer performed were mixed (aerobic and body weight exercises were positive; resistance-based exercise with weights were negative). Finally, the online community perceived by users was mostly positive and recognised for offering social support and guidance. Conclusions User comments imply resistance-based exercise with weights as unsafe and unnecessary when pregnant, a perception that does not align with current best practice guidelines. Collectively, the findings from this study highlight the need for continued education regarding exercise during pregnancy and the potential for social media influencers to disseminate evidence-based material to pregnant women who are highly receptive to, and in need of reliable health information.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 91%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A mixed-methods exploration of attitudes towards pregnant Facebook fitness influencers

et al. 2023

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“…Our findings also align with previous studies that found pregnant patients positively perceive provider counseling on PA (Harrison et al, 2019, Heim et al, 2019, Whitaker et al, 2016 and often initiate it (Whitaker et al, 2019); however, provider communication regarding PA and behavior change is often ineffective (Blankenship et al, 2020, Chana, 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic has further decreased the time and energy providers have available for counseling patients, with many providers stretched to burnout (Bradford and Glaser, 2021).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Physical Activity Beliefs and Behaviors during Pregnancy and their Association with Provider Counseling among Women in the Southern United States

Rebelle

Jetté

Mills³

et al. 2022

Physical Activity and Health

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Background: Physical inactivity, obesity, and chronic disease rates during pregnancy are strikingly high in the Southern United States. The present study examined sociodemographic factors related to the beliefs and behaviors of women in the South regarding physical activity (PA) during pregnancy and whether women›s beliefs and behaviors during pregnancy were associated with provider counseling.Methods: A sample of 292 women in the South completed an online survey. Participants provided sociodemographic data and recalled health beliefs and PA from their recent pregnancy. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were used to describe and assess relationships between variables. Linear regressions examined the association between women's beliefs and behaviors during pregnancy and provider counseling while controlling for sociodemographic factors.Results: There was large agreement among the sample. Feeling tired and lacking motivation were the main barriers to PA, and improved health was the primary benefit. Participants felt most susceptible to anxiety and depression. Providers were the leading source of support for PA, although provider counseling was not significantly correlated with increased PA. Participants engaged primarily in light household and caregiving activities. Sociodemographic factors had a stronger association with beliefs and behaviors than provider counseling. Conclusion:Participants viewed PA as beneficial; however, they had specific barriers to exercise during pregnancy and did not perceive themselves as susceptible to common health conditions. Participants looked to providers as their primary support for PA, although provider counseling appears ineffective. Providers should encourage patients to be active using established counseling techniques such as motivational interviewing to support PA.

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“… I have spent sometimes £15 on one meal that is going to be really healthy and I could just go buy a pizza for £2. (Chana & Haith-Cooper, 2019 ) …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding pregnancy as a teachable moment for behaviour change: a comparison of the COM-B and teachable moments models

Rockliffe

Peters

Heazell

et al. 2021

Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine

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Objectives Theoretical models have informed the understanding of pregnancy as a ‘teachable moment’ for health behaviour change. However, these models have not been developed specifically for, nor widely tested, in this population. Currently, no pregnancy-specific model of behaviour change exists, which is important given it is a unique yet common health event. This study aimed to assess the extent to which factors influencing antenatal behaviour change are accounted for by the COM-B model and Teachable Moments (TM) model and to identify which model is best used to understand behaviour change during pregnancy. Design Theoretical mapping exercise. Methods A deductive approach was adopted; nine sub-themes identified in a previous thematic synthesis of 92 studies were mapped to the constructs of the TM and COM-B models. The sub-themes reflected factors influencing antenatal health behaviour. Findings All sub-themes mapped to the COM-B model constructs, whereas the TM model failed to incorporate three sub-themes. Missed factors were non-psychological, including practical and environmental factors, social influences, and physical pregnancy symptoms. In contrast to the COM-B model, the TM model provided an enhanced conceptual understanding of pregnancy as a teachable moment for behaviour change, however, neither model accounted for the changeable salience of influencing factors throughout the pregnancy experience. Conclusions The TM and COM-B models are both limited when applied within the context of pregnancy. Nevertheless, both models offer valuable insight that should be drawn upon when developing a pregnancy-specific model of behaviour change.

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Diet and physical activity in pregnancy: a study exploring women's beliefs and behaviours

Cited by 7 publications

References 22 publications

A mixed-methods exploration of attitudes towards pregnant Facebook fitness influencers

A mixed-methods exploration of attitudes towards pregnant Facebook fitness influencers

Physical Activity Beliefs and Behaviors during Pregnancy and their Association with Provider Counseling among Women in the Southern United States

Understanding pregnancy as a teachable moment for behaviour change: a comparison of the COM-B and teachable moments models

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