Creating healthy change in the preconception period for women with overweight or obesity: a qualitative study using the information–motivation–behavioural skills model
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Authors
Scott, Jodie
Oxlad, Melissa
Dodd, Jodie
Szabo, Claudia
Deussen, Andrea
Turnbull, Deborah
Issue Date
2020-10-19
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Preconception , Weight Management , Overweight , Obesity , Behaviour Change , Healthy Lifestyle , Maternal Health
Alternative Title
Abstract
Worldwide, half of women begin a pregnancy with overweight or obesity, which increases the risk of pregnancy and birth complications and adversely affects the lifelong health of the offspring. In order for metabolic changes to influence the gestational environment, research suggests that weight loss should take place before conception. This study aimed to understand women’s emotional and social contexts, knowledge, motivations, skills and self-efficacy in making healthy change. Semi-structured interviews conducted with twenty-three women with overweight or obesity, informed by the Information–Motivation–Behavioural Skills (IMB) model, were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Information-related themes identified included poor health risk knowledge, healthy food decisions and health versus convenience. The Motivation themes comprised taking responsibility, flexible options, social expectations, interpersonal challenges and accountability. Behavioural Skills entailed themes such as the mental battle, time management, self-care and inspiration. An environmental factor was identified in affordability—limiting access to healthier alternatives. Women wanted simple, flexible options that considered family commitments, time and budgetary constraints. Unprompted, several mentioned the importance of psychological support in managing setbacks, stress and maintaining motivation. Strategies for enhancing self-efficacy and motivational support are required to enable longstanding health behaviour change. Findings will inform intervention mapping development of an eHealth solution for women preconception.
Description
Citation
Scott, J., Oxlad, M., Dodd, J., Szabo, C., Deussen, A., & Turnbull, D. (2020). Creating Healthy Change in the Preconception Period for Women with Overweight or Obesity: A Qualitative Study Using the Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills Model. Journal of clinical medicine, 9(10), 3351. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9103351
Publisher
Journal of Clinical Medicine