Towards a comprehensive understanding of women's physical activity behaviour postpartum: Implications for intervention design

Abstract

Introduction: Women going through the major life transition of motherhood experience significant physical, psychological, social and lifestyle changes, including a decrease in physical activity (PA) behaviour, which compromises maternal health. The aim of this study was to understand the determinants of PA among postnatal women in order to inform intervention design. Methods: semi-structured in-depth telephone interviews amongst a purposively recruited sample of 30 postnatal women. Interview questions were based on a socio-ecological framework and analysed through a feminist lens. Questions focused on changes in PA behaviour, general barriers and enablers of PA, individual factors, social and physical environmental factors influencing PA behaviour, and intervention suggestions. Results: Individual factors (e.g. life changes related to motherhood, physical and psychological well being, self-efficacy, motivation, and priority), social environmental factors (social support and social capital) and the physical environment (e.g. neighbourhood safety, availability and accessibility of paths and PA facilities, and enjoyable scenery) influenced women’s PA behaviour during the postnatal phase. Struggles identified by the feminist analysis, which inhibited PA, included: 1) social role strain, 2) being active for health and enjoyment as well as improved body image, 3) breastfeeding in public, and 4) fulfilling own and baby’s needs. Discussion: Existing behavioural change theories do not sufficiently explain women’s PA behaviour during the postnatal period. Their unique needs ought to be addressed in order to increase PA behaviour and wellbeing during this phase of a woman’s life. Strategy suggestions include improving informational support for health professionals; increasing PA groups; increasing companionship from partner, family and friends; social networking; partner involvement and support; environmental aesthetics; safety; path accessibility and connectivity; improving maternal skills in primigravidas; encouraging women to perceive and experience PA as enjoyable; supporting breastfeeding in public; and assisting women in finding a balance between social responsibilities and self-care.