Open Access
Examining the Concerns of Low-income, African American Postpartum Mothers in Order to Create Effective Health and Weight-related Programs
Author(s) -
Riley A. Dodson,
Bailey K. Allen,
Jennifer L. Zuercher
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of public health issues and practices
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2581-7264
DOI - 10.33790/jphip1100129
Subject(s) - psychological intervention , thematic analysis , gerontology , population , intervention (counseling) , medicine , psychology , nursing , qualitative research , developmental psychology , environmental health , sociology , social science
Objective: Returning to pre-pregnancy weight is important for long term weight control as well as for ensuring healthy subsequent pregnancies. In this study, we set out to discover the health-related concerns and intervention preferences of postpartum mothers living in East St. Louis in an effort to promote a return to pre-pregnancy weight among women living in this community.Methods: Twenty-eight mothers of infants participating in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in East St. Louis, IL were recruited to participate in this qualitative study. Questions and discussion focused on mothers’ health concerns and their ability to prioritize their own needs. Using Atlas.ti, researchers conducted content and thematic analysis of group transcripts.Results: Weight in and of itself was not generally a concern unless it interfered with one’s ability to be happy and comfortable with themselves. Women were interested in addressing their health needs, but ultimately, stress and other priorities get in the way. To address their needs, group-based interventions that involve their children (i.e. child care for younger kids and educational programming for older children) would be the most useful. Additionally, support between in person sessions would provide opportunities for additional learning and motivation to continue pursuing health goals.Conclusions: Prioritization of one’s own health is a challenge for mothers of infants given the demands of their role as a new mother. In creating health-related interventions for this population, weight specific programs should be avoided while facilitating balance in participants’ lives should be the priority.