Perceived Motivators, Barriers and Intervention Strategies Related to Weight Loss After Childbirth Among WIC Participants in Southern California

Abstract

Purpose: To explore perceived motivators and barriers to weight loss after childbirth and ideas for postpartum weight loss interventions among participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Approach: Four (2 with English-speaking and 2 with Spanish-speaking participants) focus groups were conducted. Setting: A WIC clinic in Southern California. Participants: Of 22 participants, the majority were Hispanic/Latina. The mean age of the mothers’ infants was 6.18 months. Measures: A structured focus group guide was used. Analysis: Audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim. The Spanish transcriptions were reviewed for discrepancies by a bilingual coinvestigator and translated into English for analysis. Transcriptions of the focus group audio-recordings were organized in ATLAS.ti version 8.0. and analyzed using content analysis. Results: Participants had a mean age of 30.5 and a mean prepregnancy body mass index of 32.4. Motivators for weight loss after childbirth included modeling healthy behavior for children and a fear of developing chronic illness. Barriers to weight loss included lack of knowledge, self-efficacy, time, child care and support, postpartum depression, the 40-day rule, and having a c-section. Intervention ideas included providing accountability and peer support for weight loss, providing nutrition/exercise weight loss strategies, and integrating mobile phone technologies into weight loss programs. Conclusions: Weight loss strategies for postpartum WIC participants should provide knowledge, support, accountability, and preferably integrate technology.