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Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions of Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors in Pregnant Migrant Women and the Potential of a Digital Support Tool—A Qualitative Study

Author

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  • Emmie Söderström

    (Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Society and Health, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
    Group MLÖ, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NEO, 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden)

  • Ulrika Müssener

    (Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Society and Health, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Mikaela Löfgren

    (Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Society and Health, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Linnea Sandell

    (Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Society and Health, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden)

  • Kristin Thomas

    (Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Society and Health, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden)

  • Marie Löf

    (Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Society and Health, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
    Group MLÖ, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NEO, 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden)

Abstract

Eating healthily and being physically active during pregnancy are important for maternal and offspring health. Maternity healthcare is a key arena for health promotion; however, 20% of pregnant women in Sweden are foreign-born, which may reduce reach due to language and cultural barriers. The aims of this study were to explore healthcare professionals’ perceptions about (a) promoting health behaviors (i.e., healthy diet, physical activity, and weight gain) among Arabic- and Somali-speaking pregnant women and (b) how a translated version of the previously evaluated Swedish app (HealthyMoms) can be tailored and used as a tool in their clinical work. Healthcare professionals in Swedish maternity care ( n = 14) were interviewed. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Healthcare professionals expressed challenges in health promotion work, including cultural and educational aspects and low awareness of health behaviors among women themselves and their social environment. Further, a lack of resources within the clinical practice and a need for cultural awareness among healthcare professionals were highlighted. Finally, it was perceived that a translated app has potential to provide basic and culturally adjusted information, facilitate communication and thus has potential to become a helpful tool in maternity care to support healthy lifestyle behaviors in Arabic- and Somali-speaking pregnant women.

Suggested Citation

  • Emmie Söderström & Ulrika Müssener & Mikaela Löfgren & Linnea Sandell & Kristin Thomas & Marie Löf, 2022. "Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions of Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors in Pregnant Migrant Women and the Potential of a Digital Support Tool—A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-12, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:4:p:2328-:d:752096
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Samira Behboudi-Gandevani & Ranjan Parajuli & Mojtaba Vaismoradi, 2021. "A Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes in Norway," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-11, February.
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