Enablers and Barriers to Preconception Diet: A Mixed Method Study with Women of Reproductive Age

Author:

Kandel Pragya1,Lim Siew1,Dever Michelle1,Lamichhane Prabhat2,Skouteris Helen1,Currie Sinead3,Hill Briony1

Affiliation:

1. Monash University

2. La Trobe University

3. University of Stirling

Abstract

Abstract

Background: A healthy diet before conception (preconception) diet is associated with enhanced maternal health, improved cardiometabolic outcomes, reduced risk of pregnancy complications, and effective weight management. Yet, women of reproductive age frequently exhibit suboptimal dietary behaviours before conception. We aimed to investigate the enablers and barriers related to preconception diet among women of reproductive age. Methods: Using sequential explanatory mixed methods, an online cross-sectional quantitative survey was followed by online qualitative interviews with women of reproductive age (18-45 years). Survey measures included the Healthy Eating Quiz (HEQ), and a pilot-tested new measure, the Preconception Diet Enablers and Barriers Scale (PDEBS) to evaluate barriers and enablers to diet. Linear logistic regression analysed the relationship between Australian Recommended Food Score (AFRS) and barriers/enablers. Qualitative interviews were conducted to understand the reasons behind women’s (non)engagement in healthy dietary habits. A weaving approach, use of joint-display, and the Capability Opportunity Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) model were used to integrate and present the data. Results: Seven hundred and eighty-eight non-pregnant women (mean [M] age 32.08 years, SD = 7.31) residing in Australia, India, and the US completed the survey. Qualitative interviews (M duration = 30 mins) were conducted with 13 women based in Australia. Women's capability to maintain a healthy preconception diet was influenced by their level of knowledge and awareness of its significance. Opportunities for a healthy preconception diet were shaped by social support, time availability, financial resources, and accessibility. Additionally, motivation to adhere to a healthful preconception diet was influenced by beliefs regarding its potential outcomes, alignment with personal goals, and emotional state. Conclusion: Our findings advance understanding of the determinants influencing preconception dietary behaviours and provide valuable insights for designing effective interventions to promote healthy preconception dietary habits. By addressing the identified enablers and barriers comprehensively, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers can work together to support women in adopting and maintaining healthy preconception dietary behaviours, ultimately improving maternal and child health outcomes.

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3