Negotiating cancer preventative health behaviours and adapting to motherhood: the role of technology in supporting positive health behaviours

Abstract

Purpose: Across the UK and USA, postpartum smoking relapse rates are high, and rates of breastfeeding and physical activity are low. This project aimed to explore these interrelated health behaviours and technology use, for intervention development to support postpartum cancer prevention. Methods: Focus groups and interviews with 26 purposively selected women (15 in Vermont, USA and 11 in Norfolk, UK). Recruitment was from deprived areas experiencing multiple disadvantage. Qualitative data were thematically analysed from dual cultural perspectives, underpinned by the social ecological model. Results: Women negotiate interrelated lifestyle behaviours as part of managing an identity in transition, moving through stages of disturbance, adaptation, acceptance and integration towards "becoming" a new Mother. Technology was integral to women's process of engagement with mothering identities. Intersectionality underpins complex patterns of interrelated behaviour. Conclusions: There is scope to improve electronic/digital support for postpartum women cross-nationally to promote interrelated cancer-preventative lifestyle behaviours.

Women’s needs for lifestyle risk reduction engagement during the interconception period: a scoping review

“…Participants’ postpartum mental and physical health was perceived to be worse than pre-pregnancy 25. Challenges included depression,26 38 healing or managing pregnancy complications,25 49 caesarean section,26 38 child ill-health,41 46 processing being a mother,41 46 49 and loneliness (for overseas-born women) 33. Recovery time after delivery31 44 and support was deemed necessary to address these issues 35 41 42 46.…”

“…This included improvements in energy levels,36 37 42 mood,42 48 stress42 48 and motivation 42. However, perceived capabilities in initiating and maintaining behaviour change were also related to fatigue29 32 33 36 37 40 42 50 and stress39 49 50 as well as pelvic floor dysfunction40 42 and breastfeeding needs 39 41 42 51. For overseas-born women, consuming culturally valued high calorie foods assisted in the promotion of breastfeeding, recovery and homesickness 33.…”

“…One-on-one support33 40 and communication from clinicians who had experience working with women who have had lifestyle risks and pregnancy complications was deemed beneficial 31. Adjunctive roles of technology6 26 29 32 36 42 48 52 such as text messaging,29 phone-calls52 and apps49 were also suggested, provided communication was tailored31 and on a secure platform 31. However, technology could be less motivating and personal than face-to-face advice 31…”

“…Women wanted access to peer and family support to engage and sustain lifestyle risk reduction. This was found to occur socially or as part of coordinated activities for lifestyle risk reduction such as group physical activity or support groups for physical activity, smoking cessation, weight reduction, and diabetes and cancer prevention 26 27 29 32 35–37 40 46 49 52 54–56. Online peer networks were valued,6 provided these were supportive environments and content was evidence-based or moderated by health professionals 42 49…”

The social vulnerability index as a risk stratification tool for health disparity research in cancer patients: a scoping review

“…All studies identified in this review used a retrospective study design, but the SVI may be utilized as a stratification tool for prospective studies. For instance, the SVI could be applied to measure the equity of patient recruitment for studies/trials in terms of SDOH [60].…”