Factors influencing the adoption of health promoting behaviors in overweight pregnant women: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: The ability to adopt and implement health promotion behaviors is one of the most important determinants of health status. Various factors affect the successful changing of behaviors and choosing a healthy lifestyle. The present study aims at exploring the experiences of overweight pregnant women in terms of the factors influencing selection and adoption of health promoting behaviors during pregnancy. METHODS: This qualitative study reports the findings of individual and group in-depth interviews with 32 overweight pregnant women using semi-structured questions which was conducted in Tabriz-Iran in 2017 and lasted for 6 months. The data collection continued until the saturation of the data. Participants were selected using purposive sampling and study inclusion criteria. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Thereafter, content analysis was made using MAXQDA v. 10. Strength of data was verified by both participants and external control. RESULTS: The reported effective factors led to identification of the two themes of two contextual perceived barriers and facilitators, which were classified into four main categories and nine subcategories: 1. Individual barriers (disabilities-additional needs in pregnancy and mental barriers) 2. Socio- environmental barriers (adverse effects of the environment, adverse effects of the relatives and financial pressures) 3. Individual facilitators (intrinsic incentives, abundance and individual skills) 4. Socio- environmental (social and family support, incentive environments, and raising awareness). CONCLUSION: The adoption of health behaviors and healthy lifestyle is under the mutual influence of individual characteristics and socio-environmental factors. What should be considered in planning and designing interventions is focused on removing barriers and strengthening facilitators, in particular by moderating social factors and taking into account individual needs and personal expectations.