Prescribing physical activity during pregnancy: Behaviour of professionals from public health system under COM-B model

Mini-Oral Presentation C3.12

Authors

  • Sonia Roa-Alcaino Universidad del Desarrollo
  • Jaime Leppe Universidad del Desarrollo
  • Paula Bedregal Universidad Católica de Chile

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.786

Keywords:

Pregnancy, Behaviour Change, Physical Activity, Public System

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is associated with a decrease in physical activity (PA) in women. During the antenatal consultation, health professionals are essential to provide health advice during the pregnancy including PA. Purpose: To explore the factors related to the capacity, opportunity and motivation of health professionals of the public system for the routine prescription of PA in women with a healthy pregnancy. Methods: A qualitative study with thematic analysis was developed. Were conducted seven semi-structured interviews to nutritionists and midwives who follow up pregnant women in their routine health check-ups. The interviews were analyzed following the themes of the COM-B behaviour change model Results: For capacities, the participants identified the need for training on gestational FA. For opportunities, the topics surveyed were: the need for infrastructure, access, time, and a professional in charge of implementation. For motivation, it was identified there is a high motivation to prescribe PA during prenatal controls, provided that the barriers of lack of system support are overcome, and there is recognition of the work, reducing work overload. Conclusions:The behaviour of health professionals regarding the prescription of PA during pregnancy is determined by the lack of knowledge of the subject, the structural conditions of the health system and culture, which are perceived as adverse and generate demotivation. However, there is a high interest to include PA in prenatal counselling due to its health benefits. Motivation is influenced by personal experience with PA. Funding: Study founded by Physical Therapy School, Universidad del Desarrollo.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Roa-Alcaino, S., Leppe, J., & Bedregal, P. (2021). Prescribing physical activity during pregnancy: Behaviour of professionals from public health system under COM-B model: Mini-Oral Presentation C3.12. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.786