P153 - How Does Social Support From Partners Affect Primigravid Food Choices and Behaviors?

Abstract

Background (Background, Rationale, Prior Research, and/or Theory): Although healthful food choices and behaviors during pregnancy are recommended, women often do not meet the recommendations due to pregnancy barriers. Social support could be an important determinant, although there is limited research on a father's emerging roles during this life-cycle phase. Objective: Explore role of social support in pregnancy, differing perception of the father's role during pregnancy between pregnant mothers and fathers, and the influence social support from a partner may or may not have on a pregnant mom's food choices and behaviors. Study Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention: First-time pregnant, cohabitating couples (n = 11 pairs) across the United States who met the inclusion criteria completed one-on-one semi-structured phone interviews. Outcome Measures and Analysis: Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Content analysis was applied to the transcriptions by two investigators, independently, to identify themes among mothers and fathers. Investigators met to discuss themes and reach consensus. Results: The themes developed from the phone interview transcripts aligned with the social cognitive theory. For example, personal and environmental factors that influenced the mother's diet and physical activity behaviors during pregnancy included barriers, outcome expectations, collective-efficacy, and self-regulation, and social support from the father. Additionally, a theme of reciprocal determinism was evident, in which dietary and physical activity behaviors of mothers and fathers influenced one another. Conclusions and Implications: If nutrition professionals are attempting to motivate pregnant mothers to adhere to recommendations, it may be beneficial to include fathers in interventions. Furthermore, because fathers' behaviors are impacted by mothers' behaviors during pregnancy, efforts to target both parents would be ideal to improve health behaviors. Funding: None.