Pre- and Post-Migration Influences on Weight Management Behaviours before and during Pregnancy: Perceptions of African Migrant Women in England.

Lem Ngongalah,Tim Rapley,Nicola Heslehurst,Judith Rankin

doi:10.3390/nu13051667

Lem Ngongalah, Tim Rapley + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051667

Copy DOI

Journal: Nutrients	Publication Date: May 14, 2021
Citations: 2	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Northumbria University, Newcastle University

Abstract

The prevalence of overweight/obesity is high among Black women in England, who also face high risks of pregnancy and childbirth complications. This study explored African migrant women’s perceptions of pre- and post-migration influences on their weight-related behaviours and weight management support during pregnancy. Interviews were conducted with women of child-bearing age from Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon (n = 23). Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: changing dietary behaviours after migration, changing physical activity (PA) behaviours after migration, increased discourse on obesity, and weight management advice and support received. Navigating a new food environment, interactions with other populations in England, and the need to socialise influenced changes in dietary behaviours. Participants considered that living in England ‘makes you lazy’ due to its obesogenic environment, while increased discourses on obesity heightened weight awareness. Women struggled to relate to dietary advice from midwives but found PA advice useful. Relatives provided valuable support but could influence unhealthy weight-related practices. There is a need for interventions addressing gaps in weight management support for these women, especially considering their migrant backgrounds and multicultural identities. Further research is needed to understand their unique challenges, and collaborations with relatives could inform the development of effective weight management interventions.

Highlights

Published: 14 May 2021There is a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity among Black women in England compared to women from other ethnic groups [1]
There are various guidelines and resources available to support the dietary and physical activity (PA) behaviours of pregnant women and women of child-bearing age in England, such as healthy eating guidelines provided by the NHS [13], weight management advice provided by midwives or health visitors [12], PA infographics for pregnant women and women of child-bearing age [14], and other
The present study aimed to explore the lived experiences of African migrant women in England, to gain an in-depth understanding of the pre- and post-migration influences on their weight-related behaviours, including an exploration of their perceptions on the support they received to manage their weight during pregnancy

Summary

Introduction

Published: 14 May 2021There is a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity among Black women in England compared to women from other ethnic groups [1]. Overweight and obesity during reproductive age predispose women to adverse perinatal outcomes including stillbirths, caesarean delivery, perinatal mortality, gestational diabetes, and pre- and post-term births [3,4,5,6,7,8]. Ethnic disparities in these outcomes are evident in England, with Black women bearing greater risks [1,2,9]. There are various guidelines and resources available to support the dietary and PA behaviours of pregnant women and women of child-bearing age in England, such as healthy eating guidelines provided by the NHS [13], weight management advice provided by midwives or health visitors [12], PA infographics for pregnant women and women of child-bearing age [14], and other

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion