Premium
Playgroups as a setting for nutrition and physical activity interventions for mothers with young children: exploratory qualitative findings
Author(s) -
Jones Carlie,
Burns Sharyn,
Howat Peter,
Jancey Jonine,
McManus Alexandra,
Carter Owen
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
health promotion journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2201-1617
pISSN - 1036-1073
DOI - 10.1071/he10092
Subject(s) - psychological intervention , focus group , thematic analysis , population health , public health , medicine , health promotion , qualitative research , physical activity , population , gerontology , exploratory research , environmental health , family medicine , psychology , nursing , physical therapy , social science , marketing , sociology , business , anthropology
Issue addressed The child bearing years are associated with increased risk of weight gain for many women. Little is known about the attitudes and preferences for nutrition and physical activity interventions in this population. This research investigated the barriers and facilitators of mothers with young children to engage in healthy physical activity and nutrition behaviours. Methods Eight focus groups were conducted with mothers (n = 65) who attended Perth, metropolitan playgroups. Transcriptions from the groups plus observer notes were used to conduct a thematic analysis. Results Participants were aware of the need for good nutrition and adequate physical activity but many failed to meet public health recommendations. Many participants were keen to improve their diet and increase their levels of physical activity. However, a major barrier to adopting and maintaining healthy diets and adequate physical activity levels was a shift in priorities from investing in their own health to investing in their children's. Conclusions Interventions using a ‘whole family’ approach are more likely to be successful in engaging mothers. Interventions should focus on strengthening mothers' self efficacy surrounding eating and physical activity. So what This study has identified enablers and barriers to good nutrition and physical activity for mothers with young children. These findings will inform health promotion interventions for this target group.