ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Many postnatal women are insufficiently physically active in the year after childbirth and could benefit from interventions to increase activity levels. However, there is limited information about the efficacy, feasibility and acceptability of motivational and behavioral interventions promoting postnatal physical activity in the UK. METHODS: The MAMMiS study is a randomized, controlled trial, conducted within a large National Health Service (NHS) region in Scotland. Up to 76 postnatal women will be recruited to test the impact of two physical activity consultations and a 10-week group pram-walking program on physical activity behavior change. The intervention uses evidence-based motivational and behavioral techniques and will be systematically evaluated using objective measures (accelerometers) at three months, with a maintenance measure taken at a six-month follow-up. Secondary health and well-being measures and psychological mediators of physical activity change are included. DISCUSSION: The (MAMMiS study will provide a test of a theoretical and evidence-based physical activity behavior change intervention for postnatal women and provide information to inform future intervention development and testing within this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN79011784.
Subject(s)
Exercise Therapy/psychology , Health Behavior , Mothers/psychology , Postnatal Care , Research Design , Actigraphy , Female , Group Processes , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Infant , Infant Equipment , Infant, Newborn , Motivation , Pregnancy , Referral and Consultation , Scotland , State Medicine , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , WalkingABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Public health services implement individual, community and population level interventions to change health behaviours, improve healthy life expectancy and reduce health inequalities. Understanding and changing health behaviour is complex. Integrating behaviour change theory and evidence into interventions has the potential to improve services. METHODS: Health Psychologists apply evidence and theories aimed at understanding and changing health behaviour. A Scottish programme is piloting the training of Health Psychologists within NHS contexts to address prominent public health challenges. RESULTS: This article outlines the details of this novel programme. Two projects are examined to illustrate the potential of partnership working between public health and health psychology. CONCLUSION: In order to develop and improve behaviour change interventions and services, public health planners may want to consider developing and using the knowledge and skills of Health Psychologists. Supporting such training within public health contexts is a promising avenue to build critical NHS internal mass to tackle the major public health challenges ahead.
