Abstract P436: Correlates of Physical Activity at 3- and 12-Months Postpartum

Abstract

Background: Participation in at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity is suggested for postpartum women. However, few women engage in these recommended levels of physical activity after pregnancy. To inform the development of interventions aimed at maintaining or increasing physical activity in the postpartum period, it is important to understand which factors are associated with postpartum physical activity. Methods: We examined the correlates of self-reported moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at 3- and 12-months postpartum among a cohort of women in the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Postpartum study. Women self-reported the frequency, duration, and mode of MVPA. Potential correlates were identified according to the socioecological framework and included sociodemographics, behavioral characteristics, non-recreational modes of MVPA (assessed only for recreational MVPA), reproductive history, infant care, psychosocial factors, and barriers to MVPA. Logistic regression models with GEE were used to identify correlates of any MVPA (≥10 minutes/week across all modes of activity) and any recreational MVPA (≥10 minutes/week) among women at 3-months (n=667) and 12-months (n=530) postpartum. Results: At both time points, lower odds of participation in any MVPA were associated with lower education, breastfeeding, depression, and minimal emotional support. Low confidence in exercise ability, receipt of advice about physical activity, and warmer seasons were associated with higher odds of participation in any MVPA. Associations varied by time point for two correlates. Low poverty and odds of any MVPA were negatively associated at 3-months and positively associated at 12-months postpartum. History of preeclampsia and odds of any MVPA were positively associated at 3-months and negatively associated at 12-months postpartum. For recreational MVPA at both time points, lower odds of participation were associated with unmarried status, lower education, employment, low poverty, history of preeclampsia, and minimal emotional support. Involvement in child/adult care activities and warmer seasons were associated with higher odds of participation in any recreational MVPA. Associations varied by time point for two correlates. Transportation MVPA and odds of any recreational MVPA were positively associated at 3-months and negatively associated at 12-months postpartum. Moderate stress and odds of any recreational MVPA were negatively associated at 3-months and positively associated at 12-months postpartum. Conclusion: These findings suggest that there are several modifiable factors associated with participation in MVPA in the postpartum period. Selected associations varied by time point. This information should be considered when developing interventions to help women maintain or increase physical activity following pregnancy.