Intrinsic motivation for physical activity, healthy eating, and self-weighing in association with corresponding behaviors in early pregnancy
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: Healthy lifestyle behaviors influence maternal cardiovascular health, but motivation for them in pregnancy is poorly understood. We examined whether intrinsic motivation (assessed on 5-point scales for each behavior) is associated with three lifestyle behaviors in early pregnancy: physical activity, by intensity level; healthy eating, quantified with the Alternate Healthy Eating Index for Pregnancy (AHEI-P); and weight self-monitoring, a standard weight management technique. Participants in the Northern California Pregnancy, Lifestyle and Environment Study (PETALS) population-based cohort completed validated surveys in early pregnancy (2017-18; N=472; 22% Asian, 6% Black, 30% Hispanic, 13% multiracial, 30% White). Cross-sectional data were analyzed in 2021-22. Overall, 40.7% (n=192) met United States national physical activity guidelines; the average AHEI-P score was 62.3 out of 130 (SD 11.4); and 36.9% reported regular self-weighing (≥ once/week; n=174). In models adjusted for participant characteristics, 1-unit increases in intrinsic motivation were associated with increased likelihood of meeting physical activity guidelines (risk ratio [95% CI]: 1.66 [1.48, 1.86], p<0.0001); meeting sample-specific 75th percentiles for vigorous physical activity (1.70 [1.44, 1.99], p<0.0001) and AHEI-P (1.75 [1.33, 2.31], p<0.0001); and regular self-weighing (2.13 [1.92, 2.37], p<0.0001). A 1-unit increase in intrinsic motivation lowered the risk of meeting the 75th percentile for sedentary behavior (0.79 [0.67, 0.92], p<0.003). Intrinsic motivation was not associated with reaching 75th percentiles for total, light, or moderate activity. Intrinsic motivation is associated with physical activity, healthy eating, and self-weighing among diverse individuals in early pregnancy. Results can inform intervention design to promote maternal health via increased enjoyment of lifestyle behaviors.
Source: Preventive Medicine Reports
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,720
Funders: American Heart Association, National Institutes of Health, Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH Office of the Director, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Awards: Physical Activity in Pregnancy for Intergenerational Obesity Prevention, G3178183669, Fetal Programming of Growth and Obesity: A Metabolomics Approach, Prenatal Bisphenol A Exposure and Risk of Gestational Diabetes, Motivational Determinants of Postpartum Lifestyle Behaviors, Weight Retention, and Metabolic Syndrome, G5287377144, G9000218731, Early Life Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Child Growth, Adiposity, and Neurodevelopment, Diabetes Research and Engagement through Advanced Multilevel Science Center for Diabetes Translational Research (DREAMS-CDTR)
OpenAlex ID: W4387344561