Beliefs, barriers and preferences of European overweight women to adopt a healthier lifestyle in pregnancy to minimize risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus: an explorative study

Jelsma, J. G.M. et al. (2016) Beliefs, barriers and preferences of European overweight women to adopt a healthier lifestyle in pregnancy to minimize risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus: an explorative study. Journal of Pregnancy, 2016, 3435791. (doi: 10.1155/2016/3435791)

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Abstract

Introduction: Overweight and obese women are at high risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Lifestyle programs might help curb the GDM risk. We explored beliefs, perceived barriers and preferences regarding lifestyle changes among overweight European pregnant women to help inform the development of future high quality lifestyle interventions. Methods: An explorative mixed methods, two-staged study was conducted to gather information from pregnant European women (BMI≥25kg/m2). In three European countries (Belgium, Netherlands, United Kingdom) interviews were conducted, followed by questionnaires in six other European countries (Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Spain). Content analysis, descriptive and chi square statistics were applied (p<0.05). Results: Women preferred to obtain detailed information about their personal risk. The health of their baby was major motivating factor. Perceived barriers for physical activity included pregnancy-specific issues such as tiredness and experiencing physical complaints. Insufficient time was a barrier more frequently reported by women with children. Abstaining from snacking was identified as a challenge for the majority of women, especially for those without children. Women preferred to obtain support from their partner, as well as health professionals and valued flexible lifestyle programs. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals need to inform overweight pregnant women about their personal risk, discuss lifestyle modification and assist in weight management. Lifestyle programs should be tailored to the individual, taking into account barriers experienced by overweight first-time mothers and multipara women.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Bunn, Dr Christopher
Authors: Jelsma, J. G.M., van Leeuwen, K. M., Oostdam, N., Bunn, C., Simmons, D., Desoye, G., Adelantado, J. M., Kautzky-Willer, A., Harreiter, J., van Assche, A., Timmerman, D., Hill, D., Damm, P., Mathiesen, E. R., Wender-Ozegowska, E., Zawiejska, A., Pablo, R., Lapolla, A., Dalfrà, M. G., del Prato, S., Bertolotto, A., Dunne, F., Jensen, D. M., Andersen, L., Snoek, F. J., and van Poppel, M. N.M.
Subjects:H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Social Scientists working in Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:Journal of Pregnancy
Publisher:Hindawi Publishing Corporation
ISSN:2090-2727
ISSN (Online):2090-2735
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 Judith G. M. Jelsma et al.
First Published:First published in Journal of Pregnancy 2016:3435791
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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