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Determinants of Changes in Women’s and Men’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior across the Transition to Parenthood: A Focus Group Study

Author

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  • Vickà Versele

    (Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
    Department of Development and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium)

  • Femke Marijn Stok

    (Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Anna Dieberger

    (Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, 8036 Graz, Austria)

  • Tom Deliens

    (Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium)

  • Dirk Aerenhouts

    (Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium)

  • Benedicte Deforche

    (Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
    Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Annick Bogaerts

    (Department of Development and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
    Centre for Research and Innovation in Care (CRIC), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
    Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK)

  • Roland Devlieger

    (Department of Development and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
    Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
    Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Fertility, GZA Campus Wilrijk, Oosterveldlaan 24, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium)

  • Peter Clarys

    (Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium)

Abstract

Background: Becoming a parent may cohere with drastic changes in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). A clear understanding of determinants of changes in PA and SB during pregnancy and postpartum is needed to facilitate the development of tailored family-based interventions. Methods: Thirteen focus group discussions targeting determinants of changes in PA and SB behavior were conducted, involving a total of 74 expecting and first-time parents. A semi-structured question guide was used to facilitate the discussions. Results: Four main levels of determinants were identified: the individual (including psychological, situational and biological determinants), interpersonal, environmental and policy level. Some determinants were mentioned to be a barrier (e.g., “barriers to self-care”) while others were a facilitator (e.g., “weight control”). Determinants were related to both PA and SB and applicable during pregnancy as well as postpartum (e.g., “self-regulation”), or only related to one behavior and/or one period (e.g., “feeding baby”). Some were described by both parents (e.g., “parenthood perceptions”), whereas others were mentioned by women (e.g., “PA knowledge”) or men (e.g., “time opportunities”) only. Conclusions: Focus should be given to interventions aimed at improving parents’ self-regulation skills and support on how to cope with interpersonal and situational constraints as well as parenthood perceptions.

Suggested Citation

  • Vickà Versele & Femke Marijn Stok & Anna Dieberger & Tom Deliens & Dirk Aerenhouts & Benedicte Deforche & Annick Bogaerts & Roland Devlieger & Peter Clarys, 2022. "Determinants of Changes in Women’s and Men’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior across the Transition to Parenthood: A Focus Group Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-24, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:4:p:2421-:d:753558
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anna M. Dieberger & Mireille N. M. van Poppel & Estelle D. Watson, 2021. "Baby Steps: Using Intervention Mapping to Develop a Sustainable Perinatal Physical Activity Healthcare Intervention," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-19, May.
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