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“Moving for My Baby!” Motivators and Perceived Barriers to Facilitate Readiness for Physical Activity during Pregnancy among Obese and Overweight Women of Urban Areas in Northern Taiwan

Author

Listed:
  • Yvonne Hsiung

    (Department of Nursing, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City 25245, Taiwan)

  • Ching-Fang Lee

    (Department of Nursing, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City 25245, Taiwan)

  • Li-Kang Chi

    (Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei City 10610, Taiwan)

  • Jian-Pei Huang

    (Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City 104217, Taiwan)

Abstract

Low levels of physical activity (PA) are of a health concern among high body mass index (BMI) women living a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight or obese during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of maternal and fetal health complications. Obstetricians often provide advice regarding recommended PA levels, yet this has not been easily achieved in this group to prevent adverse birth-related outcomes. The purpose of this study is to explore motivators/enablers and perceived barriers through in-depth qualitative inquiry, guided by a behavioral change model, for understanding of pregnant women’s decisions to engage, or refrain from PA practice. Thirteen overweight and obese pregnant women aged 28 to 45 years with an inactive, sedentary lifestyle in urban areas of northern Taiwan were recruited to participate in six focus group sessions for their intent and readiness for PA engagement in pregnancy. A thematic content analysis was performed with a constant comparison method to categorize interview data and generate themes. The findings illustrate the extent to which obese and overweight pregnant women’s readiness for PA is affected by multiple factors, including personal beliefs, perceived societal norms, peer support, and the competing priorities in the environment. PA interventions are to be effective by focusing on overcoming barriers, increasing motivations, and enhancing self-management. Strategies shared by participants shed lights for program developers to design preferable behavioral interventions for this group of women who are low self-esteem with low self-efficacy to increase PA and meet recommended levels. There is considerable potential for health care providers to provide accessible information, facilitate PA, and promote an active lifestyle during and after pregnancy.

Suggested Citation

  • Yvonne Hsiung & Ching-Fang Lee & Li-Kang Chi & Jian-Pei Huang, 2021. "“Moving for My Baby!” Motivators and Perceived Barriers to Facilitate Readiness for Physical Activity during Pregnancy among Obese and Overweight Women of Urban Areas in Northern Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-17, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:10:p:5275-:d:555456
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhangbin Yu & Shuping Han & Jingai Zhu & Xiaofan Sun & Chenbo Ji & Xirong Guo, 2013. "Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index in Relation to Infant Birth Weight and Offspring Overweight/Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(4), pages 1-1, April.
    2. Hsin-Lung Chan & In-Fun Li & Ling-Chun Tseng & Yvonne Hsiung, 2020. "Exploring Behavioral Readiness and Program Strategies to Engage Older Community Residents in Advance Care Planning: A Pilot Mixed-Method Study in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-20, June.
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