Baby steps: Using Intervention Mapping to develop a sustainable perinatal physical activity healthcare intervention

Oral Presentation B11.7

Authors

  • Anna M. Dieberger Medical University of Graz
  • Mireille N. M. van Poppel University of Graz
  • Estelle D. Watson University of the Witwatersrand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.564

Keywords:

Physical Activity, Pregnancy, Intervention Mapping, Behaviour Change Techniques

Abstract

Background: While benefits of physical activity (PA) during and after pregnancy have been established, many women do not reach recommended PA levels during that time. A major barrier is limited counselling by healthcare providers (HCPs), partly caused by limited knowledge on the topic. Purpose: We used Intervention Mapping (IM), a theory-based framework, to develop the intervention “Baby steps” to improve PA promotion by HCPs in a high-income (Austria) and a low-to-middle income country (South Africa). Methods: We applied the following IM steps: 1) A needs assessment to determine barriers and enablers of PA promotion by HCPs, consisting of a scoping literature review and qualitative community needs assessments with midwives, obstetricians and community health workers to determine desired outcomes of the intervention. 2) Performance and change objectives were formulated, describing which behaviours need to change for the intervention to succeed. 3) Based on the change objectives, theory-based behaviour change techniques were selected and practical applications developed. 4) Practical applications were combined into two evidence-based interventions tailored to each country’s needs. Step 5) and 6) consist of an implementation and evaluation plan. Results: The intervention “Baby Steps” is aimed at HCPs, consisting of a two-day training with practical resources, combining didactic and interactive education. It addresses knowledge on PA as well as skills to transfer knowledge and facilitate behaviour changes. Conclusions: We used IM to develop a training for HCPs to improve PA promotion during and after pregnancy. In future, the intervention’s effect on women’s perinatal activity levels needs to be studied. Funding: Funded in Austria by the Centre for International Cooperation & Mobility (ICM) of the Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research (OeAD-GmbH): Projectnr ZA 17/2019 and in South Africa by the NRF programme for Scientific & Technological Cooperation. AMD was funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF (DOC 31-B26) and the Medical University Graz through the PhD Programme Inflammatory Disorders in Pregnancy (DP-iDP

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Dieberger, A., van Poppel, M., & Watson, E. (2021). Baby steps: Using Intervention Mapping to develop a sustainable perinatal physical activity healthcare intervention: Oral Presentation B11.7. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.564