Enablers of and Barriers to Exercise Training Among Overweight or Obese Infertile Women: A Qualitative Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the enablers of and barriers to exercise training among overweight or obese infertile women. METHOD: Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 35 overweight or obese infertile women undergoing treatment at a reproductive centre in 2023 and recruited via purposive sampling. A hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis was used, drawing on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model. RESULTS: A study identified 10 themes that affect exercise training, which can be categorized into three domains: attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. Enablers include a strong desire to have a baby, perceived benefits of exercise training, support from friends, family and medical staff, access to exercise training information and effective behavioural regulation strategies based on positive past experiences. Barriers include negative emotions or thoughts about behaviour change, lack of knowledge and resources, low self-efficacy and control in exercise training and negative experiences related to weight loss and infertility. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need for tailored interventions that address psychological well-being, body image concerns and social support inadequacies among overweight or obese infertility patients. Providers can develop personalized exercise plans, involve patients' families and social networks and emphasize psychological and social aspects to promote long-term engagement in exercise.
DOI: 10.1111/ijn.70086
Authors: Yang Mengye, Zhang Yan, Niu Fangfang
Institutions: Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Funder: Nanjing Medical University
OpenAlex ID: W4416980911