Dutch Midwives’ Behavior and Determinants in Promoting Healthy Gestational Weight Gain, Phase 1: A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A significant contributor to the global threat of obesity is excessive gestational weight gain (GWG). The aim of this article is to explore Dutch primary care midwives’ behaviors in promoting healthy GWG.METHODS: We used the attitude–social influence–self-efficacy (ASE) model to guide interviews with a purposive sample of 6 midwives working in primary care.RESULTS: Midwives reported activities in 3 areas related to GWG: GWG monitoring (weighing and discussing GWG), diet education, and to a lesser degree physical activity education. The determinants from the ASE model were confirmed and other relevant determinants, including midwives’ perception of their role in health promotion, were added.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The identified determinants can be used for quantitative research. Quantitative research is necessary to identify the magnitude of the determinants associated with midwives’ behavior in promoting healthy GWG.