Dissertation
Towards a Comprehensive Understanding of Women’s Physical Activity Behaviour during Pregnancy and Postpartum: Implications for Intervention Design
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2013
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00216
Abstract
Women going through the major life transition of pregnancy and early motherhood may experience significant physical, psychological, social and lifestyle changes, including a decrease in physical activity behaviour, which potentially compromises maternal, infant and family health and wellbeing. Current evidence does not seem to provide a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of women's physical activity behaviour during pregnancy and postpartum and no longitudinal study during this transition phase has been published to date. This PhD therefore explored: life and physical activity changes; individual, social environmental, and physical environmental determinants of physical activity behaviour; and how women give meaning to their physical activity experiences during pregnancy and the postnatal period, including how these meanings relate to or are shaped by dominant ideology around physical activity, pregnancy and motherhood. The findings of this exploration were used to develop intervention suggestions that may improve future intervention design in order to increase physical activity in this particular population. This research project consisted of: 1) a literature review on the determinants of physical activity, 2) an intervention review, and 3) a longitudinal study. The longitudinal study involved four intervals (1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester, and 3 months postpartum) and was subjected to a dual qualitative analysis: socio-ecological and feminist.
Details
- Title
- Towards a Comprehensive Understanding of Women’s Physical Activity Behaviour during Pregnancy and Postpartum: Implications for Intervention Design
- Authors
- Michelle Van Mulken
- Contributors
- Margaret McAllister (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00216
- Organisation Unit
- Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99448751302621
- Output Type
- Dissertation