Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
14 p.
Publication Date
1-2012
Publisher
Wiley
Source Publication
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing
Source ISSN
0884-2175
Original Item ID
doi: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2011.01323.x
Abstract
Objective
To identify women's patterns of readiness to engage in weight self-management behaviors during the postpartum period.
Design
Prospective, longitudinal design with repeated measures, guided by the transtheoretical model of behavior change (TTM).
Setting
A tertiary perinatal center in an urban setting in the midwestern United States with approximately 3,000 births annually.
Participants
One hundred ninety-one (191) adult postpartum women.
Methods
Participants were surveyed in person during their postpartum hospitalizations, and by telephone at 4 and 8 weeks postpartum using the Stages of Change for Weight Management (SOCWM) and the Decisional Balance for Weight Management (DBWM) tools.
Results
There was a significant effect of time on stage of change for women in the postpartum period, with women in a higher stage of change at 8 weeks than during the postpartum hospitalization. There were no significant differences in stage of change at any of the three time points by prepregnant weight category or by race. Nearly one half of the sample was in the contemplation stage during the postpartum hospitalization, and more than 80% were in action or maintenance stages by 8 weeks postpartum.
Conclusions
The early postpartum period is an opportune time to influence stage of change in women's weight management behaviors. Assessment of readiness to engage in or continue weight management behaviors will allow providers to use stage-matched interventions guided by the TTM to facilitate women's self-management of weight.
Recommended Citation
Ohlendorf, Jennifer M., "Stages of Change in the Trajectory of Postpartum Weight Self-Management" (2012). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 221.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/221
Comments
Accepted version. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, Vol. 41, No. 1 (January/February 2012): 57-70. DOI. © 2012 Wiley. Used with permission.
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: "Stages of Change in the Trajectory of Postpartum Weight Self-Management," which has been published in final form here. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.