Work

Behaviour change in overweight and obese pregnancy: a decision tree to support the development of antenatal lifestyle interventions

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Antenatal healthy lifestyle interventions are frequently implemented in overweight and obese pregnancy, yet there is inconsistent reporting of the behaviour-change methods and behavioural outcomes. This limits our understanding of how and why such interventions were successful or not. DESIGN: The current paper discusses the application of behaviour-change theories and techniques within complex lifestyle interventions in overweight and obese pregnancy. The authors propose a decision tree to help guide researchers through intervention design, implementation and evaluation. The implications for adopting behaviour-change theories and techniques, and using appropriate guidance when constructing and evaluating interventions in research and clinical practice are also discussed. CONCLUSIONS: To enhance the evidence base for successful behaviour-change interventions during pregnancy, adoption of behaviour-change theories and techniques, and use of published guidelines when designing lifestyle interventions are necessary. The proposed decision tree may be a useful guide for researchers working to develop effective behaviour-change interventions in clinical settings. This guide directs researchers towards key literature sources that will be important in each stage of study development.

Source: Public Health Nutrition

DOI: 10.1017/s136898001700129x

Authors: Kate M Ainscough, Karen L Lindsay, Elizabeth J O’Sullivan, Eileen R Gibney, Fionnuala M McAuliffe

Institutions: University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Behavioral Health and Interventions

Subfield: Applied Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Health Research Board