Nutrition and physical activity guidance for women in the pre- and post-natal period: a continuing education needs assessment in primary health care

Abstract

The study objective was to assess primary health care (PHC) providers' exposure to women in the pre- and post-natal period, current nutrition and physical activity guidance practices, confidence and perceived needs for continuing education relevant to nutrition and physical activity guidance in the peri-natal period. A self-administered cross-sectional questionnaire survey amongst a purposively recruited sample of 226 local primary health care providers evenly distributed across general practice, community nursing, pharmacist and pharmacy assistant worker groups. The questionnaire contained 106 items about primary health care providers' exposure to women in the pre- and post-natal life-stage, their current nutrition and physical activity guidance practices, confidence and perceived needs for continuing education relevant to nutrition and physical activity guidance in the peri-natal period. Results indicate that PHC providers across general practice, community nursing and pharmacy service settings are frequently accessed by women during this life-stage, and regularly and variably provide guidance on nutrition and physical activity, and report different continuing education needs. Continuing education interventions need to be tailored to match the needs of each PHC group. Pharmacy-based staff are a priority for PHC continuing education about nutrition and physical activity if the potential of the community-based pharmacy as a primary health setting is to be realised.

Antenatal physical activity counseling among healthcare providers

“…obstetricians, family medicine practitioners, and certified nurse midwives) attitudes, beliefs, perceived barriers and current practices related to antenatal physical activity in order to help inform the development of future intervention studies. Consistent with previous research, findings from the present study suggest that the majority of HCPs across all three specialties believe engagement in antenatal physical activity will result in improved health for mother and baby [18,20,21]. Moreover, most of the HCPs agree that it is important that pregnant women free of obstetric complications should meet the DHHS recommendations on antenatal physical activity.…”

“…Bauer et al (2004) surveyed 60 practicing physicians in Michigan and found that the majority believe exercise is beneficial and that they recommend exercise to their patients; however, it appears that not all are aware, or follow, current ACOG recommendations [18]. Recently Hughes et al 2011 surveyed HCPs in general practice, community nursing and pharmacy to determine continuing education needs related to perinatal physical activity counseling. Results suggested that the majority of providers agree that physical activity guidance is important and recommend that future continuing education efforts be tailored according to type of primary care training [20].…”

“…Much of the extant literature has been narrow in scope and limited to small, convenience samples [17][18][19] or examines primary care systems outside of the US, such as Australia [20]. For example, Entin and Munhall administered an 18-item survey to 83 obstetricians in private or small group practices in the US.…”

“…Recently Hughes et al 2011 surveyed HCPs in general practice, community nursing and pharmacy to determine continuing education needs related to perinatal physical activity counseling. Results suggested that the majority of providers agree that physical activity guidance is important and recommend that future continuing education efforts be tailored according to type of primary care training [20]. Moreover, a large surveillance study which focused primarily on obesity prevention and weight gain counseling among primary care HCPs in the US provides some insight as to prevalence rates of antenatal physical activity counseling but fails to provide a comprehensive assessment of the potential predictors of counseling such as HCPs' attitudes, beliefs and perceived barriers [21].…”

Comparing women pharmacy consumers’ experiences with weight loss treatment in Victoria and Nottingham: a cross-sectional study

“…Consumers visit community pharmacies on a regular basis, with reports documenting that the average Australian visits a pharmacy up to 14 times a year [18]. More specifically, in Australia, pharmacy staff (pharmacists and pharmacy assistants) come into contact with women in the pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and post-partum stages more than any other primary health care professional, including general practitioners and nurses [19]. In the UK, consumer access to pharmacies and pharmacists is similar to Australia, with 60-80% of pharmacy consumers reported to be women [20].…”