Development of an app-based intervention to support healthy eating, physical activity and weight management in pregnancy
Year: 2024
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Poor diet quality, physical inactivity and excessive weight gain in pregnancy are associated with adverse maternal and child health outcomes. Dietary and physical activity interventions can be effective in promoting positive behaviour change and healthy gestational weight gain (GWG). Whilst digital interventions have proven less effective than in-person interventions, their comparatively lower cost, scalability and greater accessibility make them an attractive proposition for healthcare providers. Baby Buddy, a free pregnancy and parenting app from UK charity Best Beginnings, is designed to support parents and improve health outcomes. Its use within the National Health Service makes it an ideal platform for delivering a new antenatal dietary and physical activity intervention. The aim of this thesis was to create a theory-based intervention within Baby Buddy to encourage and support expectant parents to develop healthier dietary and physical activity habits. Study 1 was a systematic review and meta-analysis of digital interventions targeting diet and/or physical activity in pregnancy. Meta-analyses showed lower GWG for interventions compared to controls, although the mean difference of was non-significant for both intention to treat studies (n= 3), (mean difference -0.28 kgs, 95% CI: -1.43, 0.87) and per protocol studies (n=4), (mean difference -0.65 kgs, 95% CI: -1.98, 0.67). An analysis of the behaviour change techniques used in the interventions informed the rudimentary intervention concept. Adhering to the principles of the Person-Based Approach to intervention development, three stages of qualitative research with target users (n= 83) guided the intervention design process (Studies 2, 3 & 4). Regular consultation with a Public Patient Involvement and Engagement group (n=18), Best Beginnings and other expert contributors (n=14) shaped the intervention design. The result, Baby Steps to Healthier Habits, was built and integrated into Baby Buddy with funding from the AIM Foundation. A service evaluation and feasibility study is planned.
Author: Rhodes, Alexandra
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7046231934