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    Women’s reported health behaviours before and during pregnancy: A retrospective study

    189038_189038.pdf (519.8Kb)
    Access Status
    Open access
    Authors
    Smedley, J.
    Jancey, Jonine
    Dhaliwal, Satvinder
    Zhao, Yun
    Monteiro, Sarojini MDR
    Howat, Peter
    Date
    2014
    Type
    Journal Article
    
    Metadata
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    Citation
    Smedley, Jenna and Jancey, Jonine M. and Dhaliwal, Satvinder and Zhao, Yun and Monteiro, Sarojini MDR and Howat, Peter. 2014. Women’s reported health behaviours before and during pregnancy: A retrospective study. Health Education Journal. 73 (1): pp. 28-40.
    Source Title
    Health Education Journal
    DOI
    10.1177/0017896912469570
    ISSN
    0017-8969
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/3136
    Collection
    • Curtin Research Publications
    Abstract

    Objective: This study aimed to determine women’s reported health behaviours (physical activity, diet, weight management) before and during pregnancy, and to identify sources of health information. Design: Retrospective study incorporating quantitative (a self-completed survey) and qualitative (one-on-one interviews) methods. Methodology: Participants were women aged 18 or over; had no pre-existing medical condition that might be exacerbated during pregnancy (e.g. diabetes, heart condition); and had given birth in the last 12 months. Nineteen women agreed to one-on-one interviews and 100 women agreed to complete a mailed questionnaire. Qualitative data and quantitative data were analysed using a descriptive qualitative methodology and by using McNemar’s test for correlated proportions, respectively. Results: Participants reported a significant reduction in their level of physical activity during pregnancy; a significant increase in consumption of fruit, vegetables and fibre, and a decrease in fast food consumption (all p < 0.05). Medical practitioners are the preferred source of health information but seem to provide insufficient information about health behaviours during pregnancy in relation to physical activity, diet and weight management. Conclusion: Women reported eating a healthier diet and reducing their level of physical activity during the antenatal period, compared to pre-pregnancy. There is a need to improve the provision of health information on physical activity, diet and weight management in the antenatal period.

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