Social networks & weight management in pregnancy/postpartum (SNIP)v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The role of social networks in weight management for first-time pregnant and postpartum women: An exploratory mixed methods study
IRAS ID
239084
Contact name
Bernardette Bonello
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 21 days
Research summary
Background: Maternal obesity is a growing public health problem especially in Scotland with a prevalence of 48.4% of overweight and obesity in pregnancy. Maternal obesity is associated with increased health risks and medical complications and has large cost implications for the NHS. Previous research shows that our social networks (family, friends, and peers) are important drivers for obesity-risk behaviours. Weight management interventions are increasingly showing the importance of social context and a supportive environment for increasing interventions’ success. However, there is currently lack of research on the relationship between social networks and weight management for women during pregnancy and postpartum.
Aims: To explore the role of social networks and social support in weight management for women that are overweight or obese during pregnancy and postpartum. We aim to explore the social network characteristics of first-time pregnant and postpartum women, the relationship between the network (structure and composition) and the women’s lifestyle and weight, and the support that women need and receive for weight management during these times. This is to understand how social networks might be mobilised to increase weight management success.
Population: Up to 25 first-time pregnant women with pre-pregnancy BMI ≥25; Up to 25 first-time postpartum women (9-12 months postpartum) with BMI ≥25; Age 18+ years
Design: An exploratory mixed methods study. Interviews will be conducted with first-time pregnant and postpartum women to explore issues around weight management, diet and physical activity and the role of their social networks. We will also collect social network data through a computer-assisted survey which will provide quantitative data to compare and contrast with the qualitative interviews. This study is part of a PhD aiming to develop an intervention to prevent or reduce obesity in pregnancy and postpartum. The findings from this mixed-methods study will highlight the mechanisms and social processes that can be targeted in an intervention.
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/WM/0028
Date of REC Opinion
8 Feb 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion