Predictors of engagement in postpartum weight self-management behaviours in the first 12 weeks after birth.

Aim: To explore factors that influence postpartum weight self-management behaviours. Transitions Theory and the Integrated Theory of Health Behaviour Change guided selection of variables. Transition conditions, level of patient activation and social facilitation were examined for association with postpartum weight self-management behaviours.

Background: Retention of pregnancy weight increases risk of overweight and obesity later in life. Little is known about what women do to self-manage return to pre-pregnant weight and how providers can influence their behaviours.

Design: Prospective, longitudinal, correlational.

Methods: Data collection occurred from March through October, 2013. One hundred and twenty-four women completed surveys during postpartum hospitalization; telephone interviews were completed by 91 women at 6 weeks and 66 women at 12 weeks. Standard and hierarchical multiple regression methods were used for analyses.

Results: Transition difficulty was negatively associated with patient activation and immediate postbirth patient activation was positively associated with eating behaviours at 6 weeks, eating behaviours at 12 weeks and physical activity at 12 weeks. Social support and social influence were not significant predictors in the regression models.

Conclusion: Patients experiencing a difficult postpartum transition have lower activation levels; those less activated are less probably to engage in weight self-management behaviours in the 12 weeks following their baby's birth. Patient activation level should be considered in tailoring promotion of healthy postpartum weight management.