The Role of Health Literacy in Postpartum Weight, Diet, and Physical Activity.

Rhonda Garad,Siew Lim,Sharleen O’Reilly,Crystal McPhee,Tze Lin Chai,Lisa Moran

doi:10.3390/jcm9082463

Abstract

Background: Postpartum weight retention is a significant contributor to obesity in women, adverse perinatal events in subsequent pregnancies, and chronic disease risk. Health literacy is known to impact health behaviors. The study aimed to identify the health literacy domains utilized in postpartum weight management interventions and to determine their impact on weight, diet and physical activity in postpartum women. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PSYCINFO, and EBM databases. We included random control trials of lifestyle intervention in postpartum women (within two years post-delivery) published up to 3 May 2019. Subgroup analyses were performed to determine the effect of health literacy domains on outcomes. Results: Out of 5000 studies, 33 studies (n = 3905) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The health literacy domain self-care (skills and knowledge) was associated with a significant reduction in body weight (mean difference (MD) −2.46 kg; 95% confidence interval (CI) from −3.65 to −1.27) and increase in physical activity (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.61; 95% CI 0.20 to 1.02). No other health literacy domain was associated with significant outcomes in weight, energy intake, or physical activity. Conclusions: Health literacy skills such as knowledge of self-care are effective in improving weight and in increasing physical activity in postpartum women. The efficacy of other health domains was not supported.

Highlights

The postpartum period significantly contributes to weight gain and obesity in women, including the high rate of weight gain in women aged 18–30 years [1,2]
Using a comprehensive health literacy definition within the HLEF for Interventions, we evaluated the relationships between each health literacy domain and the outcomes of body weight, energy intake, and physical activity in lifestyle interventions for postpartum women
The findings suggest that self-care in the HLEF is effective in improving weight, diet, and physical activity for postpartum women

Summary

Introduction

The postpartum period (from birth to two years) significantly contributes to weight gain and obesity in women, including the high rate of weight gain in women aged 18–30 years [1,2]. Weight retention in the postpartum period carries significant risks to maternal and child health. The study aimed to identify the health literacy domains utilized in postpartum weight management interventions and to determine their impact on weight, diet and physical activity in postpartum women. The health literacy domain self-care (skills and knowledge) was associated with a significant reduction in body weight (mean difference (MD) −2.46 kg; 95% confidence interval (CI) from −3.65 to −1.27) and increase in physical activity (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.61; 95% CI 0.20 to 1.02). No other health literacy domain was associated with significant outcomes in weight, energy intake, or physical activity. Conclusions: Health literacy skills such as knowledge of self-care are effective in improving weight and in increasing physical activity in postpartum women.

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