Attendance rates and characteristics of women with obesity referred to the dietitian for individual weight management advice during pregnancy.

Abstract

Engagement in services to support healthy weight management during pregnancy is poor. A better understanding of those who attend is important in supporting women to participate in preventative health services. This retrospective observational study aimed to report attendance rates of pregnant women with obesity (body mass index (BMI)≥30kg/m2 ) referred to a dietitian between 2012 and 2018 for weight management and describe who was referred and attended. Demographic, attendance and medical data for women with obesity who were either referred to a dietitian or were not referred were sourced from hospital data. Chi-squared and t-tests were used to compare groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify characteristics associated with attendance within the referred group. Of 5426 eligible women, 523 were referred to the dietitian, and 4903 women were not referred (Total sample: 29±6years, 39.0±2.1weeks gestation at birth). Referred women self-reported a 6.7kg/m2 higher pre-pregnancy BMI, 7% more were subsequently diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and 9% more were induced (P<0.001) indicating a higher risk of adverse outcomes. Referred women attended a median (range) of 2 (0-8) appointments. The majority (78%) attended ≥1 appointment, and 41% attended ≥3 appointments. Women referred by a midwife (65%) or diagnosed with GDM were 1.9 and 3.0 times more likely to attend, respectively (P<0.01). Being a smoker was negatively associated with attendance (odds ratio 0.388, P<0.001). Pregnant women with obesity referred for dietetic weight management appear at higher risk of adverse outcomes, with most attending ≥1 appointment. Engaging midwives in promoting referrals may increase attendance.