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Physical Activity Self-Efficacy Among Pregnant Women at High Risk for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Xiao Yang, Yingli Song, Ji Zhang, Yan Wang, Hui Huang, Jing Zhang, Ling-Ling Gao

Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 2024

8 citations

Abstract

Background Physical activity could decrease the odds of pregnant women at high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) developing GDM. Physical activity self-efficacy was the key predictor of physical activity. This study aimed to examine physical activity self-efficacy and identify its predictors among pregnant women at high risk for GDM in mainland China. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Zhengzhou, China, from October 2021 to February 2022. Two hundred fifty-two pregnant women at high risk for GDM completed the Pregnancy Physical Activity Self-efficacy Scale, the Social Support for Physical Activity Scale, the Knowledge of Physical Activity Questionnaire, the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and a socio-demographic data sheet. Multiple linear regression was used. Results Chinese pregnant women at high risk for GDM reported a moderate level of physical activity self-efficacy. The best-fit regression analysis revealed four predictors. Social support for physical activity was the strongest predictor, followed by knowledge of physical activity, intention to do physical activity, and anxiety symptoms. Conclusion The study found that Chinese pregnant women at high risk for GDM had a moderate level of physical activity self-efficacy, which had 4 predictors. Healthcare professionals should make efforts to enhance pregnant women’s social support, knowledge, and intention to do physical activity and decrease…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.

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