Enablers and Barriers Related to Preconception Physical Activity: Insights from Women of Reproductive Age Using Mixed Methods

Kandel, Pragya; Lim, Siew; Dever, Michelle; Lamichhane, Prabhat; Skouteris, Helen; Currie, Sinead; Hill, Briony

doi:10.3390/nu15234939

Cited by 3 publications

References 52 publications

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A Call for the Implementation of Physical Activity as a Vital Sign (PAVS) During Pregnancy

Sparks,

Ruiz-Ramie,

Kishman

et al. 2024

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine

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Despite decades of research and clinical insights on the importance of physical activity during pregnancy for maternal and infant health, over 75% of pregnant individuals do not meet general physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical each week. This may be due to several barriers that restrict engagement in physical activity during pregnancy. Without providing individualized facilitators to overcome these respective barriers, physical activity engagement during pregnancy may be severely limited and/or reduced. This literary review presents the challenges specific populations face and strategies to facilitate the inclusion of physical activity as a vital sign (PAVS) during pregnancy to assist individuals to engage in and maintain physical activity throughout pregnancy. Additionally, the Exercise is Medicine’s global initiative’s ability to assist in implementing PAVS during pregnancy is discussed. We conclude by defining recommendations for routine prenatal care to consider PAVS to aid pregnant individuals in meeting physical activity guidelines.

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A Call for the Implementation of Physical Activity as a Vital Sign (PAVS) During Pregnancy

Sparks,

Ruiz-Ramie,

Kishman

et al. 2024

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Enablers and Barriers to Preconception Diet: A Mixed Method Study with Women of Reproductive Age

Kandel,

Lim,

Dever

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Background: A healthy diet before conception (preconception) diet is associated with enhanced maternal health, improved cardiometabolic outcomes, reduced risk of pregnancy complications, and effective weight management. Yet, women of reproductive age frequently exhibit suboptimal dietary behaviours before conception. We aimed to investigate the enablers and barriers related to preconception diet among women of reproductive age. Methods: Using sequential explanatory mixed methods, an online cross-sectional quantitative survey was followed by online qualitative interviews with women of reproductive age (18-45 years). Survey measures included the Healthy Eating Quiz (HEQ), and a pilot-tested new measure, the Preconception Diet Enablers and Barriers Scale (PDEBS) to evaluate barriers and enablers to diet. Linear logistic regression analysed the relationship between Australian Recommended Food Score (AFRS) and barriers/enablers. Qualitative interviews were conducted to understand the reasons behind women’s (non)engagement in healthy dietary habits. A weaving approach, use of joint-display, and the Capability Opportunity Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) model were used to integrate and present the data. Results: Seven hundred and eighty-eight non-pregnant women (mean [M] age 32.08 years, SD = 7.31) residing in Australia, India, and the US completed the survey. Qualitative interviews (M duration = 30 mins) were conducted with 13 women based in Australia. Women's capability to maintain a healthy preconception diet was influenced by their level of knowledge and awareness of its significance. Opportunities for a healthy preconception diet were shaped by social support, time availability, financial resources, and accessibility. Additionally, motivation to adhere to a healthful preconception diet was influenced by beliefs regarding its potential outcomes, alignment with personal goals, and emotional state. Conclusion: Our findings advance understanding of the determinants influencing preconception dietary behaviours and provide valuable insights for designing effective interventions to promote healthy preconception dietary habits. By addressing the identified enablers and barriers comprehensively, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers can work together to support women in adopting and maintaining healthy preconception dietary behaviours, ultimately improving maternal and child health outcomes.

show abstract

Enablers and Barriers to Preconception Dietary Behaviours: A Mixed Method Study with Women of Reproductive Age

Kandel,

Lim,

Dever

et al. 2024

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background A healthy diet before conception (preconception) diet is associated with enhanced maternal health, improved cardiometabolic outcomes, reduced risk of pregnancy complications, and effective weight management. Yet, women of reproductive age frequently exhibit suboptimal dietary behaviours before conception. We aimed to investigate the enablers and barriers related to preconception diet among women of reproductive age. Methods Using sequential explanatory mixed methods, an online cross-sectional quantitative survey was followed by online qualitative interviews with women of reproductive age (18–45 years). Survey measures included the Healthy Eating Quiz (HEQ), and a pilot-tested new measure, the Preconception Diet Enablers and Barriers Scale (PDEBS) to evaluate barriers and enablers to diet. Linear regression analysed the relationship between Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS) and barriers/enablers. Qualitative interviews were conducted to understand the reasons behind women’s (non)engagement in healthy dietary habits. A weaving approach, use of joint-display, and the Capability Opportunity Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) model were used to integrate and present the data. Results Seven hundred and eighty-eight non-pregnant women (mean [M] age 32.08 years, SD = 7.31) residing in Australia, India, and the US completed the survey. Qualitative interviews (M duration = 30 mins) were conducted with 13 women based in Australia. Women's capability to maintain a healthy preconception diet was influenced by their level of knowledge and awareness of its significance. Opportunities for a healthy preconception diet were shaped by social support, time availability, financial resources, and accessibility. Additionally, motivation to adhere to a healthful preconception diet was influenced by beliefs regarding its potential outcomes, alignment with personal goals, and emotional state. Conclusion Our findings advance understanding of the determinants influencing preconception dietary behaviours and provide valuable insights for designing effective interventions to promote healthy preconception dietary habits. By addressing the identified enablers and barriers comprehensively, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers can work together to support women in adopting and maintaining healthy preconception dietary behaviours, ultimately improving maternal and child health outcomes.

show abstract

Enablers and Barriers Related to Preconception Physical Activity: Insights from Women of Reproductive Age Using Mixed Methods

Cited by 3 publications

References 52 publications

A Call for the Implementation of Physical Activity as a Vital Sign (PAVS) During Pregnancy

A Call for the Implementation of Physical Activity as a Vital Sign (PAVS) During Pregnancy

Enablers and Barriers to Preconception Diet: A Mixed Method Study with Women of Reproductive Age

Enablers and Barriers to Preconception Dietary Behaviours: A Mixed Method Study with Women of Reproductive Age

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