“Just because you’re pregnant, doesn’t mean you’re sick!” A qualitative study of beliefs regarding physical activity in black South African women

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Research Article

Estelle D. Watson¹  Rachel A. Jones²  Mireille N. M. van Poppel³  Lisa K. Micklesfield⁴  Shane A. Norris⁴  Catherine E. Draper⁵ 

[1] Centre for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa;MRC/WITS Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa;Early Start Research Institute, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia;Institute of Sport Science, University of Graz, Graz, Austria;Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University medical center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands;MRC/WITS Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa;MRC/WITS Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa;Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa;

关键词: Pregnancy;    Low income;    African;    Physical activity;    Exercise;    Beliefs;    Barriers;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12884-016-0963-3

 received in 2015-12-15, accepted in 2016-07-12,  发布年份 2016

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundDespite the benefits of physical activity during pregnancy, the physiological and psychological changes that occur during this unique period may put women at greater risk of being sedentary. Lifestyle and environmental transitions have left black South African women at increased risk of physical inactivity and associated health risks. Therefore, the aim of this qualitative study was to describe the beliefs regarding physical activity during pregnancy in an urban African population.MethodsSemi-structured interviews (n = 13) were conducted with pregnant black African women during their third trimester. Deductive thematic analysis was completed based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Coding and analysis was completed with the assistance of ATLAS.ti software.ResultsParticipants had a mean age of 28 (19–41) years, and a mean BMI of 30 (19.6–39.0) kg/m2. Although the majority of women believed that physical activity was beneficial, this did not appear to translate into behaviour. Reported reasons for this included barriers such as pregnancy-related discomforts, lack of time, money and physical activity related education, all of which can contribute to a reduced perceived control to become active. Opportunities to participate in group exercise classes was a commonly reported facilitator for becoming active. In addition, influential role players, such as family, friends and healthcare providers, as well as cultural beliefs, reportedly provided the women with vague, conflicting and often discouraging advice about physical activity during pregnancy.ConclusionsThis study provides new theoretical insight on the beliefs of urban South African pregnant women regarding physical activity. Findings from this study suggest a holistic approach to improve physical activity compliance during pregnancy, inclusive of physical activity education and exercise opportunities within a community setting.This study presents critical formative work upon which contextually and culturally sensitive interventions can be developed.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s). 2016