The aim of this study was to develop and validate a novel educational intervention to promote a physically active lifestyle among postpartum women between six weeks to one year.
A sequential explanatory mixed method study was conducted at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, Ghana, among postpartum women. The study had three phases. In phase one (quantitative), information was captured from one hundred and forty-six participants using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF), Readiness of Physical Activity Stages of Change Scale and Self-Efficacy for Physical Activity questionnaires which collected information on the physical activity levels, exercise readiness and self-efficacy respectively. Additionally, an adapted survey tool on Knowledge, attitude and practice of exercise was used in phase one. Analysis for phase one was done with SPSS version 27 using descriptive and inferential statistics with significance at p-value of 0.05.
In Phase two (qualitative), twenty participants underwent an individual in-depth interview using a semi-structured interview guide and qualitative data was thematically analyzed.
In phase three, integrated results from phases one and two were mapped onto the Behavior Change Wheel and Capability-Opportunity-Motivation Behavior (COM-B) models to develop the educational intervention. The intervention was validated by twenty-one experts in maternal and child health using the Modified Delphi Technique.
Integrated results from phase one and two revealed a low knowledge, low exercise readiness and low self-efficacy with a good attitude towards exercise although with low physical activity participation. Major barriers identified include inadequate information, lack of social support and cultural barriers.
A novel educational intervention was developed from the integrated results. The intervention has six segments namely mode of delivery, physical activity education, improving exercise self-efficacy and readiness, providing a supportive network and addressing sociocultural barriers towards physical activity and the components segment. There are twenty-eight items under the six segments, and all items reached consensus in both Delphi rounds and hence were incorporated into the final educational intervention.
This study provides an in-depth insight into the development and validation of a culturally- sensitive educational intervention to promote a physically active lifestyle among postpartum women in Ghana. It is suggested that further studies be conducted to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention among this cohort.
This study proposes that physiotherapists play an active role in promoting good maternal health outcomes to minimize or prevent untoward chronic conditions such as progression of gestational diabetes to type 2 diabetes, hypertension and obesity during the postpartum period. Additionally, it is suggested that policy makers incorporate physical activity as an integral aspect of a holistic postpartum care plan within the health facility.
Validation
Postpartum physical activity
