The effect of a personalized intervention on weight gain and physical activity among pregnant women in China

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether personalized interventions could improve dietary intake and physical activity among pregnant women.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a center in Chengdu, China, between September 2012 and February 2013. Women with a singleton pregnancy (aged ≥18years, could understand written Chinese, did not have pre-existing diabetes) were enrolled at approximately 12weeks of pregnancy. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to an intervention group (received personalized educational materials) or a control group (conventional interventions only). Data for dietary intake and physical activity were recorded via questionnaires. Only pregnant women who completed the study were included in the analysis.

Results: Analyses included 106 women in the control group and 115 in the intervention group. After intervention, the intake of energy, protein, fruit, milk, seafood, and nuts differed significantly between groups (P<0.05), with intakes closer to the recommended amounts in the intervention group. Women in the intervention group spent significantly less time resting (P=0.033) and more time doing mild activity (P=0.016). Mean weight gain per week was significantly lower in the intervention group (P=0.023), and significantly fewer women in this group developed gestational diabetes (P=0.043).

Conclusion: Personalized educational interventions can improve dietary behavior and physical activity levels, and reduce prevalence of gestational diabetes among pregnant women in China. Chinese Clinical Trial Register: ChiCTR-IPR-15005809.

Keywords: Excessive weight gain; Gestational diabetes mellitus; Health belief model; Intervention; Physical activity.