Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Jan 16, 2020
Date Accepted: Mar 21, 2020
Date Submitted to PubMed: May 22, 2020
Women’s engagement with PLAN: an eHealth and dietetic intervention to promote healthy weight gain in pregnancy.
ABSTRACT
Background:
Both early excess or inadequate gestational weight gain have been associated with negative outcomes for mother and child. The use of digital media to deliver pregnancy lifestyle interventions is increasing but there is little data on participant engagement. The PLAN intervention pilot study was an eHealth and dietetic delivered intervention program promoting healthy gestational weight gain in early pregnancy.
Objective:
This report aimed to explore participants’ interactions with the program and assess its acceptability.
Methods:
This study used both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data from 22 intervention arm participants completing the study provided measures of participant interactions with the digital components of the program and with dietetic consultations. Descriptive qualitative analysis employed semi-structured interviews with nine participants to elicit views on the acceptability of the intervention and its components.
Results:
Electronic delivery of information and recording of weight, from 8 through 20 weeks gestation, was universally accepted. Component (face-to-face dietician, weight tracker, website information delivery and SMS goal prompting) acceptability and engagement differed between individuals. Four key themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: supporting lifestyle change; component acceptability and value; delivery platforms; and engagement barriers.
Conclusions:
The PLAN intervention, and its delivery via a blend of personal dietetic consultations and digital program delivery, was found to be acceptable and valuable to pregnant women. Individuals responded differently to various components, emphasising the importance of including women in development of lifestyle interventions and allowing participants choice and tailoring of programs. Larger randomised controlled trials using these insights in a broader section of the community are needed to inform the iterative development of practical, time efficient and cost-effective ways of supporting optimal gestational weight gain with the potential to optimise outcomes for pregnant women and their offspring. Clinical Trial: The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12617000725369)
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