| Topic: | Diabetes (DM) |
| Title: | Postpartum Physical Activity and Related Psychosocial Factors Among Women with Recent Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. |
| Author: | Smith, B.J., et al. |
| Source: | Diabetes Care. 28(11): 2650-2654. November 2005. |
| Abstract: | This article reports on a study undertaken to examine patterns of postpartum physical activity among women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The authors focused on psychosocial factors related to this physical activity that could be addressed in diabetes prevention interventions. The telephone survey included on a random sample of women who had attended diabetes clinics in Sydney, Australia, for treatment of GDM in the past 6 to 24 months. Of the 226 women (mean age 33.4 years) who completed the survey, 26.5 percent were classified as sedentary and only 33.6 percent reported sufficient physical activity as recommended by health authorities. Walking was the most popular physical activity and most women reported no other moderate- or vigorous-intensity activity. The most common barriers to physical activity noted were lack of assistance with child care (49.1 percent) and insufficient time (37.6 percent). The type of social support for physical activity most often reported was verbal encouragement (39.1 percent), with more than half of the women reporting they never receive assistance with housework or have others exercise with them. The authors conclude that the prevalence of sufficient physical activity was found to be low and strongly related to social support and self-efficacy. They suggest that emphasis should be given in patient educational interventions to the legitimacy of women taking time away from their day-to-day responsibilities to participate in physical activity. 3 tables. 32 references. |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English. |
| Major Keywords: | Diabetes Mellitus. Exercise. Female. Gestational Diabetes. Health Promotion. Psychosocial Factors. |
| Minor Keywords: | Patient Education. Mothers. Prevalence. Recreation. |
| Publication Number: | DMJA12382. |
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