Knowledge Of Gestational Weight Gain Research Articles

Pregnant women's dietary patterns and knowledge of gestational weight gain: A cross-sectional study.

Excess gestational weight gain (GWG) is a risk factor for various unfavorable maternal and neonatal outcomes that may be preventable. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while pregnant can help prevent uncontrollable weight gain. The aim of this study was to assess pregnant women's knowledge on weight, GWG, diet, and knowledge of obesity-related complications among women who seek care at our semi-urban, regional setting. A prospective observational study was conducted at the prenatal clinic at Kalafong Academic Hospital. Prospective participants completed a questionnaire on their perception of GWG, attitudes toward GWG, knowledge of GWG, associated complications of obesity, and food choices. Data analysis was performed using SAS version 9.4. The majority of the 500 individuals were overweight or obese prior to pregnancy. By the end of the third trimester, this increased by 10.1% (n = 420; 86.1%). Nearly half (n = 240; 48.78%) of the overweight and obese women underestimated their weight. Only 26.53% (n = 26) of women who checked their body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) gained weight according to recommendations. However, less than half (n = 96; 30.5%) gained weight within the recommended range, despite the fact that the majority of them (n = 315; 64%) were aware of the harmful effects of obesity on the cardiovascular system and the effects of high calories on weight gain (n = 321; 65%). Despite basic knowledge of the impact of high-caloric intake on weight gain and cardiovascular complications, less than half of the study population gained weight within the recommended range.

Prevalence and related factors of inappropriate gestational weight gain among pregnant women with overweight/ obesity in Thailand

BackgroundAn inappropriate gestational weight gain (GWG) among pregnant women with overweight/obesity is a crucial health problem. Its prevalence remains high worldwide, particularly in urban areas. The prevalence and predicting factors in Thailand are lack of evidence. This study aimed to investigate prevalence rates, antenatal care (ANC) service arrangement, predictive factors, and impacts of inappropriate GWG among pregnant women with overweight/obesity in Bangkok and its surrounding metropolitan area.MethodsThis cross-sectional, retrospective study used four sets of questionnaires investigating 685 pregnant women with overweight/obesity and 51 nurse-midwives (NMs) from July to December 2019 in ten tertiary hospitals. Multinomial logistic regression identified predictive factors with a 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultThe prevalence rates of excessive and inadequate GWG were 62.34% and 12.99%. Weight management for pregnant women with overweight/obesity are unavailable in tertiary cares. Over three-fourths of NMs have never received weight management training for this particular group. ANC service factors, i.e., GWG counseling by ANC providers, quality of general ANC service at an excellent and good level, NMs' positive attitudes toward GWG control, significantly decreased the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of inadequate GWG by 0.03, 0.01, 0.02, 0.20, times, respectively. While maternal factors, sufficient income, and easy access to low-fat foods reduce AOR of inadequate GWG by 0.49, and 0.31 times. In contrast, adequate maternal GWG knowledge statistically increased the AOR of inadequate GWG 1.81 times. Meanwhile, easy access to low-fat foods and internal weight locus of control (WLOC) decreased the AOR of excessive GWG by 0.29 and 0.57 times. Finally, excessive GWG significantly increased the risk of primary C/S, fetal LGA, and macrosomia 1.65, 1.60, and 5.84 times, respectively, while inadequate GWG was not associated with adverse outcomes.ConclusionPrevalence rates of inappropriate GWG, especially excessive GWG remained high and affected adverse outcomes. The quality of ANC service provision and appropriate GWG counseling from ANC providers are significant health service factors. Thus, NMs should receive gestational weight counseling and management training to improve women's knowledge and practice for gestational weight (GW) control.

Does a video module improve patient adherence to recommended gestational weight gain guidelines?

Objectives We aim to assess if implementation of an educational video module can improve patient adherence to recommended weight gain guidelines. Secondarily, we investigated if patients’ knowledge about gestational weight gain was improved with use of the video, as well as if there was a difference in maternal and neonatal outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Methods This was an IRB-approved, prospective cohort study conducted from February 2019 to October 2019. Patients were recruited from a large academic practice during their first trimester of pregnancy. Patients in the control cohort received routine care. Patients in the video cohort watched a 5-min educational video module about gestational weight gain. Pre-pregnancy weight and baseline demographics were recorded. All patients took a baseline questionnaire assessing gestational weight gain knowledge upon enrollment, and again 4 weeks later. Pre and post score differences were calculated. On admission to the hospital for delivery, all patients’ gestational weight gain was calculated, and the overall gestational weight gain differences between the two groups were calculated. Maternal and neonatal delivery outcomes were also collected. T-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Chi-square analyses were used to compare groups, and a p-value of <.05 was deemed statistically significant. Results During the study period, 155 patients were recruited, with 79 in control cohort and 76 in video cohort, respectively. There was no significant difference in the percentage of patients who gained the appropriate amount of weight between the two groups; 25% (18/74) of patients in the control vs. 25% (17/68) of patients in video cohort (p = .926). There was no difference in the improvement of the pre and post assessment scores when compared between the two cohorts; the average score improvement was 1.72 ± 15.09% for the control, vs. 6.20 ± 12.51% for video cohort (p = .129). There was no difference in maternal or neonatal outcomes between the two groups. Patients were overall satisfied with the video module, with 67.6% (n = 45) reporting the video to be very educational. Conclusions Use of a video module did not improve GWG outcomes or knowledge in our study. Future work can focus on use of a recurring intervention throughout pregnancy, either with app-based technology or multiple videos.

A theory driven, pragmatic trial implementing changes to routine antenatal care that supports recommended pregnancy weight gain

BackgroundPrevention of weight gain outside recommendations is a challenge for health services, with several barriers to best practice care identified. The aim of this pragmatic implementation study with a historical control was to examine the impact of implementing a service wide education program, and antenatal care pregnancy weight gain chart combined with brief advice on women’s knowledge of recommended gestational weight gain (GWG), the advice received and actual GWG.MethodsThe PRECEDE PROCEED Model of Health Program planning guided intervention and evaluation targets and an implementation science approach facilitated service changes. Pregnant women < 22 weeks’ gestation attending the antenatal clinic at a metropolitan birthing hospital in Australia were recruited pre (2010, n = 715) and post (2016, n = 478) implementation of service changes. Weight measurements and questionnaires were completed at recruitment and 36 weeks’ gestation. Questionnaires assessed advice received from health professionals related to healthy eating, physical activity, GWG, and at recruitment only, pre-pregnancy weight and knowledge of GWG recommendations.ResultsWomen who correctly reported their recommended GWG increased from 34% (pre) to 53% (post) (p < 0.001). Between pre and post implementation, the advice women received from midwives on recommended GWG was significantly improved at both recruitment- and 36-weeks’ gestation. For normal weight women there was a reduction in GWG (14.2 ± 5.3 vs 13.3 ± 4.7 kg, p = 0.04) and clinically important reduction in excess GWG between pre and post implementation (31% vs 24%, p = 0.035) which remained significant after adjustment (AOR 0.53 [95%CI 0.29–0.96]) (p = 0.005).ConclusionsService wide changes to routine antenatal care that address identified barriers to supporting recommended GWG are likely to improve the care and advice women receive and prevent excess GWG for normal weight women.

864 Does implementation of a video module improve patient knowledge about gestational weight gain?

Approximately 70% of patients do not gain appropriate weight during pregnancy, and almost one third of women receive no counseling about gestational weight gain (GWG). If patients understand the recommendations and risks of inappropriate GWG, they may be more likely to comply. This study aims to assess if implementation of a video module can improve patient knowledge about GWG. This was an IRB-approved, prospective cohort study conducted from February-October 2019. Patients were recruited from a large academic practice during the first trimester. Group 1 were patients in the control cohort and received routine care, while group 2 were in the intervention cohort & also watched the 5 minute GWG video module. Patients were included if they were ≥18 years old & had a singleton intrauterine pregnancy. Patients were excluded if they were non-English speaking, had a fetus with a known anomaly and/or demise, or if they had a documented eating disorder. All patients completed a baseline questionnaire assessing knowledge of GWG, which was then repeated 4 weeks later. The average pre and post scores, as well as the average score difference between the assessments, were calculated for both groups and compared using Mann-Whitney U tests, with p<0.05 statistically significant. 155 patients were recruited (Table 1). 72 patients in the first group (n=79) and 66 patients in the second group (n=76) completed both assessments in their entirety. The second group scored higher on both the pre (68.58% +/- 18.54% for group 1, 75.96% +/- 14.28% for group 2, p=0.031) and post assessments (71.20%±15.30% for group 1, 82.77% +/- 10.40% for group 2, p<0.001). There was no difference between the groups when looking at the average score difference between pre and post assessments in both groups (1.72% +/- 15.09% for group 1, 6.20% +/- 12.51% for group 2, p=0.129). Implementation of a video module did not improve GWG knowledge. The higher scores both pre and post intervention seen in group 2 suggest a possible difference in the patient population and baseline knowledge enrolled in the two groups.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Gestational Weight Gain Video Module Improves Patient Knowledge of Weight Gain in Pregnancy [12D

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 70% of pregnant women gain weight outside of the National Academy of Medicine's established guidelines for gestational weight gain (GWG) in pregnancy. We set out to determine if a GWG video module improves patient knowledge of GWG goals. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed from January 2019 through August 2019 with Institutional Review Board approval. Women were allocated to routine care versus a video arm after informed consent was obtained. Both arms completed a baseline GWG knowledge questionnaire. Those undergoing routine care received provider counseling. Those in the video arm underwent routine counseling and viewed a 5-minute video module based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and National Academy of Medicine approved material on body mass index (BMI) specific GWG goals. The GWG knowledge questionnaire was repeated in 4 weeks. Maternal demographics and baseline characteristics were collected from the electronic medical record. Independent sample t-tests, chi square analyses and Fisher exact tests were used to compare arms, with a P&lt;.05 deemed statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 52 women were included in the study, 26 in the routine counseling arm and 26 in the video module arm. Maternal demographics and baseline characteristics including BMI were similar between groups. Compared to routine counseling, women in the video module arm had a statistically significant increase in GWG knowledge (10.0±2.0 versus 12.5±2.3, P&lt;.001). CONCLUSION: Compared to routine provider counseling, a GWG video module significantly improves patients' knowledge of GWG goals. Utilization of a GWG video enhances provider counseling.

561: Gestational weight gain video module increases patients’ knowledge of pregnancy weight gain goals

Maternal weight gain counseling is an important, but often overlooked, component of prenatal care counseling. As many as one third of women receive no counseling, leading to knowledge deficits regarding weight gain guidelines. We set out to determine if utilization of a gestational weight gain (GWG) video module can improve patients’ knowledge about weight gain goals. A prospective cohort study of women presenting for routine care was performed at a university hospital from April 2019-August 2019. Excluded were those less than 18 years of age, non-English speaking, or with multifetal gestations. Eligible women were approached at outpatient clinic sites and given a 15-item questionnaire regarding their knowledge on weight gain in pregnancy. Women were then advised to watch a 5-minute video that addressed weight gain goals specific to their body mass index, how to gain a healthy amount of weight, and what the risks of inappropriate weight gain are. Four weeks later, participants completed the same questionnaire. Participants were allotted a knowledge score based on the number of questions answered correctly. Maternal characteristics were collected from the electronic medical record. To determine the effectiveness of the gestational weight gain video module on patients’ knowledge, a paired t-test was used. A p value of < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. A total of 26 women were included in the study. Women were approximately 30 years old, primarily Caucasian, multiparous and obese, Table 1. The mean gestational weight gain knowledge score of women prior to and after viewing the video module were 11.3 ± 2.1 and 12.5 ± 2.3 respectively. Compared to baseline gestational weight gain knowledge, women who had a viewed the video module had a statistically significant increase in gestational weight gain knowledge (t(26)=1.2, p< 0.001). Utilization of a gestational weight gain module provides an interactive, convenient means to increase knowledge of individualized weight gain goals in pregnancy.

Assessment of Need of Antenatal Education by Assessing the Existing Knowledge of Pregnant Women

OBJECTIVE: To assess the antenatal knowledge and preferred information seeking behavior of pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics of Allied Hospitals of Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi.METHODOLOY: This was a multi-centered based cross-sectional design study. This study was conducted in the antenatal care clinics of three allied hospitals of Rawalpindi medical University, Rawalpindi. A total of 400 pregnant women in third trimester of pregnancy, attending antenatal care clinics were included in the study through consecutive sampling. Antenatal knowledge was assessed by a valid (scale-content validity index=1.00) and reliable (Cronbach’s alpha=0.90) questionnaire developed for this purpose. SPSS 22 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Out of 400 pregnant women, majority 148 (37%) were in the age group of 23-27 years. Mean age was 26.5±4.8 years. Mean antenatal knowledge score was 28±6.2. Two hundred and sixty-eight (67%) women had poor (˂70% score), ninety-six (24%) had adequate (70%-80% score) and thirty-six (9%) had good (˃80% score) level of antenatal knowledge. Three hundred and sixty (90%) women had poor nutritional and gestational weight gain knowledge. Antenatal knowledge scores were significantly associated with education, number of antenatal care visits, locality and monthly household income. One to one education was preferred format by most (53%) of women. Doctors were the preferred source of information by 80% of the participants.CONCLUSION: The findings of the study indicate that most of the pregnant women lack the adequate antenatal knowledge while one to one education given by doctors was the preferred mode of health education by the majority of the participants. KEYWORDS: Pregnant women, Antenatal education, Antenatal knowledge

Factors associated with low maternal weight gain during pregnancy

Study weight gain in pregnant women according to the recommendations of the American Institute of Medicine (IOM 2009) and identify the associated factors with inadequate weight gain in pregnant women in Constantine (Algeria). A prospective and longitudinal study of a cohort of 217 pregnant women aged 19 to 43 years was carried out during the entire period of pregnancy at antenatal consultation and monitoring centers in Constantine (Algeria) from December 2013 to July 2016. Their weight was measured in the first, second and third trimester. Gestational weight gain was classified as lower or meeting the IOM recommendations. Factors associated with gestational weight gain (GWG), such as pre-gestational body mass index, women's knowledge of GWG, sympathetic signs, eating habits and consumption, and maternal stress were studied. Statistics were performed using Statview™ and SPSS software. The majority of women (65.4%) had inadequate total GWG and only 34.6% of them had GWG consistent with IOM recommendations. Inadequate weight gain was more frequent in women obese before pregnancy (p<0.0001), women who reported not knowing the ideal GWG (p=0.01), had sympathetic signs (p=0.01), food aversions (p=0.0086), and insufficient vitamin, and mineral intakes (p<0.01). Inadequate GWG was also common among women with insufficient duration of sleep and living in a stressful environment. GWG is associated with a number of factors and variable relationships for each trimester of pregnancy.

Preconception and antenatal knowledge and beliefs about gestational weight gain.

Prevention of excessive gestational weight gain during pregnancy is difficult; targeting women before pregnancy may be more effective. In order to generate knowledge that may influence the development of effective interventions to promote healthy weight in reproductive-aged women, this study aimed to explore knowledge and belief formation regarding gestational weight gain for preconception and pregnant women. Women ≥18years (preconception n=265; pregnant women at 16weeks gestation n=271) completed questionnaires assessing knowledge and beliefs about gestational weight gain. Responses were categorised according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine gestational weight gain recommendations. Preconception women exhibited poorer gestational weight gain knowledge than pregnant women, yet only half of pregnant women reported accurate gestational weight gain knowledge within the Institute of Medicine recommendations. Beliefs about gestational weight gain were also inaccurate for both preconception and pregnant women, with 34.1% of pregnant and 44.6% of preconception women expecting to gain less than recommendations. Gestational weight gain knowledge accounted for about half of the variance in gestational weight gain beliefs. Overall, the large inaccuracies in gestational weight gain knowledge and beliefs reported by both preconception and pregnant women suggest significant gaps in dissemination of gestational weight gain advice throughout the reproductive life phase. Knowledge is an important part of belief formation that can lead to appropriate weight gain. Hence, health professionals and policy makers should actively pursue opportunities to improve gestational weight gain knowledge in reproductive-aged women.

Healthcare provider advice on gestational weight gain: uncovering a need for more effective weight counselling

Limited research has examined the factors related to knowledge of gestational weight gain (GWG) recommendations and the receipt of advice from healthcare providers regarding GWG recommendations among women with pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity. Women with pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity (N = 191) reported the amount of gestational weight they believed they should gain and that healthcare providers advised them to gain. Only 24% (n = 46) of women had a correct knowledge of GWG recommendations. Women were less likely to have a correct knowledge of GWG recommendations if they had pre-pregnancy obesity, were of a minority race, or were socioeconomically disadvantaged. Meanwhile, only 17% (n = 32) of women reported being correctly advised about GWG recommendations by healthcare providers. There were no differences between women who did and did not report being correctly advised about GWG recommendations from healthcare providers. These findings indicate that women with pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity lack knowledge of GWG recommendations and report being incorrectly advised about GWG recommendations from healthcare providers.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Extant literature indicates that women’s knowledge of gestational weight gain (GWG) recommendations and women’s receipt of information from their healthcare providers regarding GWG recommendations are predictive of meeting the Institute of Medicine guidelines for GWG.What do the results of this study add? Findings from the present study indicate that the majority of women with pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity lack knowledge of GWG recommendations and report that education on GWG recommendations from healthcare providers is an aspect of their prenatal care that is largely insufficient. Although there were no differences between women who did and did not report being correctly advised about GWG recommendations by healthcare providers, women were less likely to have a correct knowledge of GWG recommendations if they had pre-pregnancy obesity, were of a minority race, or were socioeconomically disadvantaged.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practise and/or further research? These findings highlight a need for more effective tailoring of prenatal care to ensure that women receive accurate advice from healthcare providers regarding GWG recommendations.

Impact of an Individualized Weight-Tracking Tool on Gestational Weight Gain Knowledge [37B

INTRODUCTION: Only ∼one-third of US women meet Institute of Medicine (IOM) gestational weight gain (GWG) guidelines. Whether women understand these body mass index (BMI)-specific guidelines and whether additional education could improve knowledge is unclear. We hypothesized that an individualized, GWG-tracking tool would improve patient knowledge about GWG guidelines and BMI. METHODS: Women with singleton pregnancies at one outpatient clinic were recruited for a clinical trial. Over eight weeks, women 15 0/7-22 6/7 weeks’ with at least one prior prenatal visit were enrolled in the control group. Women 6 0/7-14 6/7 weeks’ were enrolled in the intervention group at their first prenatal visit and received a GWG card from study staff who helped women record preconception weight, BMI, and BMI-specific GWG guidelines. Women were encouraged to record weight at each prenatal care visit. All women completed a GWG knowledge-based questionnaire at 15 0/7-22 6/7 weeks’. Groups were compared using bivariate analyses. RESULTS: Among 125 women, 45 (36%) comprised the intervention group. The intervention and control groups were similar in age, race/ethnicity, education, income, parity, and preconception BMI. Compared with control, intervention group women were not more likely to correctly define “BMI” (52% vs. 63%, p=0.5), correctly classify their preconception BMI (48% vs. 51%, p=0.9), recall their BMI-specific GWG guidelines (51% vs. 67%, p=0.1), or think they would meet GWG guidelines (58% vs. 50%, p=0.5). CONCLUSION: Our intervention did not improve GWG or BMI knowledge. These data underscore the deficit in fundamental knowledge among pregnant women, which may contribute to the limited success of GWG interventions.

Correlates of pregnant women's gestational weight gain knowledge

Objectiveto investigate correlates of pregnant women's gestational weight gain (GWG) knowledge commensurate with GWG guidelines. Designcross sectional quantitative study. Settingan Australian tertiary level maternity hospital. Participantspregnant women (n=1032) following their first antenatal visit. Measurementssurvey to assess GWG knowledge and a range of potential correlates of knowledge including socio-economic characteristics, pregnancy characteristics (parity, gestation, pre-pregnancy BMI) and GWG information procurement and GWG attitudinal variables. Findingsparticipants (n=366; 35.4% response) averaged 32.5 years of age with 33% speaking a language other than English. One third of women reported GWG knowledge consistent with guidelines. Women overweight prior to pregnancy were less likely to underestimate appropriate GWG (RRR 0.23, 95% CI=0.09–0.59). Conversely, women in the overweight (RRR 8.80, 95% CI=4.02–19.25) and obese (RRR 19.62, 95% CI=8.03–48.00) categories were more likely to overestimate GWG recommendations, while tertiary educated women were less likely to overestimate GWG (RRR 0.28, 95% CI=0.10–0.79). No associations were found between GWG knowledge and pregnancy, GWG information source or attitudinal variables. Conclusions and implications for practicethe findings highlight women's lack of GWG knowledge and the role of pre-pregnancy body mass index and women's education as correlates of GWG knowledge. Women susceptible to poor GWG knowledge should be a priority target for individual and community-based education.

Understanding gestational weight gain: the role of weight-related expectations and knowledge.

Health behaviour theories acknowledge that beliefs, attitudes and knowledge contribute to health behaviours, yet the role of these cognitions in predicting weight gain during pregnancy has not been widely researched. To explore and compare the predictive nature of gestational weight gain (GWG) expectations and knowledge on weight gain during pregnancy. One hundred and sixty-six women were tracked during pregnancy. Participants provided information on prepregnancy weight, height, GWG expectations and knowledge at 16-18 weeks' gestation (Time 1). To calculate gestational weight gain, prepregnancy weight was subtracted from weight at 36weeks' gestation (collected at Time 2). Gestational weight gain above the Institute of Medicine's GWG recommendations was classified as excessive. A hierarchical regression examined the predictive nature of GWG expectations for actual GWG. Chi-square significance tests determined whether the accuracy of GWG knowledge differed depending on GWG status and prepregnancy BMI category. GWG expectations were a significant predictor of weight gain during pregnancy. Women who experienced excessive GWG were more likely to overestimate the minimum amount of weight that they needed to gain to have a healthy baby. GWG expectations are predictive of actual GWG, and GWG knowledge among women is generally poor. In particular, overestimating of the minimum amount of weight to gain during pregnancy is associated with excessive GWG. As such, it may be beneficial to design interventions to prevent excessive GWG that targets these cognitions.

Poor knowledge about gestational weight gain limits provision of counselling by maternity care providers: A systematic review

Abstract of a presentation that was present at the NSA 2014 Annual Scientific Meeting, 26-28 November, Hobart, Australia. Disciplines Medicine and Health Sciences | Social and Behavioral Sciences Publication Details Gorman, E., Billington, T., Lucas, C., Probst, Y. & Charlton, K. E. (2014). Poor knowledge about gestational weight gain limits provision of counselling by maternity care providers: a systematic review. Abstracts of HSA 2014 Annual Scientific Meeting (pp. 1-1). Australia: HSA. This conference paper is available at Research Online: http://ro.uow.edu.au/smhpapers/2351 POOR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT GESTATIONAL WEIGHT GAIN LIMITS PROVISION OF COUNSELLING BY MATERNITY CARE PROVIDERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW E Gorman, T Billing, CJ Lucas, Y Probst, KE Charlton School of Medicine, University of Wollongong NSW Contact e-mail: eg336@uowmail.edu.au Background/Aims: Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is associated with a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Women receiving appropriate weight gain advice from their maternity care provider are more likely to gain weight within recommended ranges. Evidence suggests that relatively few women receive appropriate counselling. This study aimed to explore factors that influence whether information on appropriate GWG is provided to pregnant women by midwives and other maternity care providers. Methods: A systematic literature review using Scopus, Web of Science and Medline databases (2004-2014) was conducted in May 2014. Peer-reviewed English language studies from western countries exploring maternity care providers’ knowledge of and practices related to GWG were included. Results: Twenty one studies were included. Maternity care providers believed GWG to be an important obstetric issue but lacked knowledge regarding correct body mass index classification and appropriate GWG targets. Inadequate knowledge of GWG was cited as a frequent barrier to the provision of counselling. Providers with a high self-perceived knowledge of GWG were more likely to include this topic in their counselling of pregnant women. To improve GWG knowledge maternity care providers expressed a desire for further training and education. Interactive problem based learning was cited as a favourable model for future education. Conclusions: Maternity care providers may refrain from offering, or provide incorrect, GWG advice, due to an inadequate understanding of the topic. Further understanding of this relationship and other barriers that may prevent provision of weight gain counselling is needed. Funding source(s): N/A

The importance of taste on dietary choice, behaviour and intake in a group of university students

s / Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism 1 (2014) 1e55 37 showed a difference in salt content per serving between SR and HR (2.2 ± 2.1 g vs. 1.4 ± 1.2 g; p 1⁄4 0.010). Conclusions: Standard CC recipes or CC recipes targeting healthy eating and weight loss do not differ; and do not meet healthy eating benchmark guidelines. Funding source(s): N/A. THE IMPORTANCE OF TASTE ON DIETARY CHOICE, BEHAVIOUR AND INTAKE IN A GROUP OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS S. Kourouniotis , R.S.J. Keast , S. Cicerale . 1 School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, VIC, Australia E-mail: sara.cicerale@deakin.edu.au (S. Kourouniotis) Background/Aims: Overweight and obesity prevalence is on the rise within Australia and evidence suggests that excess energy intake is a major contributor to this excess weight gain. Foods high in energy-density contribute to excess energy intake, as they tend to be more palatable and have been associated with increased food consumption. The ‘taste of food’ has been considered an important factor influencing food choice in previous international research. Methods: Participants were recruited from Deakin University, Melbourne. A food frequency questionnaire and a Food and Diet questionnaire were used to assess intake frequency of food consumption over the prior month and to assess dietary behaviours such as how important taste was on food choice within the student population. Results: The study included 1,306 participants (mean ± SD BMI 22.3 ± 3.2, age 20.5 ± 4.5 years, female 1⁄4 1,026, 84% Australian). Taste was rated the most important factor influencing food choice (82%), followed by quality (81%), cost (47.6%) and ease of preparation (37%). Correlation analysis revealed weak, negative correlations between taste importance and BMI (n 1⁄4 1,205, r 1⁄4 -0.003, p < 0.05), weak positive correlations between taste importance and gender (n 1⁄4 1281, r 1⁄4 0.127, p < 0.01); eating 5 serves of vegetables daily (n1⁄4 1290, r1⁄4 0.005, p < 0.01); eating 2 serves of fruit daily (n 1⁄4 1291, r 1⁄4 0.011, p < 0.01); consumption of convenience meals (n 1⁄4 1290, r 1⁄4 0.015, p < 0.05) and takeaway (n 1⁄4 1290, r 1⁄4 0.058, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Taste was considered an important factor in food choice, however only weak associations between taste importance and demographics, BMI, dietary behaviours and dietary intake were found. This suggests that other factors may play a stronger role in food consumption within the student population. Funding source(s): N/A. POOR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT GESTATIONAL WEIGHT GAIN LIMITS PROVISION OF COUNSELLING BY MATERNITY CARE PROVIDERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW E. Gorman , T. Billing , C.J. Lucas , Y. Probst , K.E. Charlton . 1 School of Medicine, University of Wollongong NSW, Australia E-mail: eg336@uowmail.edu.au (E. Gorman) Background/Aims: Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is associated with a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Women receiving appropriate weight gain advice from their maternity care provider are more likely to gainweight within recommended ranges. Evidence suggests that relatively few women receive appropriate counselling. This study aimed to explore factors that influence whether information on appropriate GWG is provided to pregnant women by midwives and other maternity care providers. Methods: A systematic literature review using Scopus, Web of Science and Medline databases (2004-2014) was conducted in May 2014. Peerreviewed English language studies from western countries exploring maternity care providers’ knowledge of and practices related to GWGwere included. Results: Twenty one studies were included. Maternity care providers believed GWG to be an important obstetric issue but lacked knowledge regarding correct body mass index classification and appropriate GWG targets. Inadequate knowledge of GWG was cited as a frequent barrier to the provision of counselling. Providers with a high self-perceived knowledge of GWG were more likely to include this topic in their counselling of pregnant women. To improve GWG knowledge maternity care providers expressed a desire for further training and education. Interactive problem based learning was cited as a favourable model for future education. Conclusions: Maternity care providers may refrain from offering, or provide incorrect, GWG advice, due to an inadequate understanding of the topic. Further understanding of this relationship and other barriers that may prevent provision of weight gain counselling is needed. Funding source(s): N/A. MAKING HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES: A QUALITATIVE INVESTIGATION TO UNDERPIN THE E-ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITION LITERACY J.A. Gifford , A.M. Cassar , H.T. O’Connor , G.S. Denyer . 1 Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia; 2 Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Australia; Charles Perkins Centre, University of

Evaluation of the 'healthy start to pregnancy' early antenatal health promotion workshop: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPregnancy is an ideal time to encourage healthy lifestyles as most women access health services and are more receptive to health messages; however few effective interventions exist. The aim of this research was to deliver a low-intensity, dietitian-led behavior change workshop at a Maternity Hospital to influence behaviors with demonstrated health outcomes.MethodsWorkshop effectiveness was evaluated using an RCT; ‘usual care’ women (n = 182) received a nutrition resource at their first antenatal visit and 'intervention' women also attended a one-hour ‘Healthy Start to Pregnancy’ workshop (n = 178). Dietary intake, physical activity levels, gestational weight gain knowledge, smoking cessation, and intention to breastfeed were assessed at service-entry and 12 weeks later. Intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses examined change over time between groups.ResultsApproximately half (48.3%) the intervention women attended the workshop and overall response rate at time 2 was 67.2%. Significantly more women in the intervention met pregnancy fruit guidelines at time 2 (+4.3%, p = 0.011) and had a clinically-relevant increase in physical activity (+27 minutes/week) compared with women who only received the resource (ITT). Women who attended the workshop increased their consumption of serves of fruit (+0.4 serves/day, p = 0.004), vegetables (+0.4 serves/day, p = 0.006), met fruit guidelines (+11.9%, p < 0.001), had a higher diet quality score (p = 0.027) and clinically-relevant increases in physical activity (+21.3 minutes/week) compared with those who only received the resource (PP).ConclusionsThe Healthy Start to Pregnancy workshop attendance facilitates improvements in important health behaviors. Service changes and accessibility issues are required to assist women's workshop attendance to allow more women to benefit from the workshop’s effects.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12611000867998

Little Congruence Between Health Care Provider and Patient Perceptions of Counselling on Gestational Weight Gain

ObjectiveTo determine the self-reported counselling practices of health care providers with regard to prenatal weight gain and the risks of inappropriate gain. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey using a selfadministered questionnaire at obstetrician, midwifery, and family medicine clinics in Hamilton, Ontario. Health care providers were eligible to participate if they provided prenatal care and could read English sufficiently well to complete the survey. ResultsForty-two health care providers completed the survey; of these, 95% reported counselling women to gain a specific amount of weight, and 81% reported that they recommended values that were in accordance with the 2009 Institute of Medicine/Health Canada guidelines. The risks of excess and inadequate gain were reported as being discussed with their patients by 87% and 76% of health care providers, respectively. ConclusionIn this first study to the best of our knowledge of gestational weight gain counselling since the publication of the 2009 guidelines, most health care providers reported discussing weight gain and the risks of inappropriate gain, which is incongruent with previously published information on their patients’ reports of counselling.

Gestational weight gain knowledge among low‐income pregnant Latinas

The objective of this study was to describe the knowledge about gestational weight gain among low‐income pregnant Latinas (N=136). Based on current IOM guidelines, over 55% of women were overweight or obese before pregnancy. Over 45% of women gained excessive gestational weight during pregnancy. When asked their feelings about how much weight they had gained during pregnancy, almost half reported they felt they had gained too much weight. Only 26% of participants knew the recommended amount of weight they should gain during pregnancy, with 31% reporting an amount less than the recommended, and 29% reporting that they didn't know how much to gain. Only 55% of women reported that a health care provider discussed gestational weight with them, however 50% of those women reported that they weren't specifically told the amount of weight they should gain. These findings show that excessive gestational weight gain is prevalent among low‐income Latinas, yet they are not being advised on appropriate gestational weight gain by health care providers. Interventions targeting dissemination of appropriate gestational weight gain recommendations by health care providers are needed. Funded by Connecticut NIH EXPORT Center for Eliminating Health Disparities among Latinos (NIH‐NCMHD Grant # P20MD0017650).