Environmental and psychosocial correlates of physical activity in pregnant women: a study protocol.

Abstract

Pregnant women are often more open to engaging in healthy lifestyles. Numerous studies have shown that physical activity (PA) during pregnancy contributes to obstetric and neonatal benefits. Nonetheless, most pregnant women do not comply with PA recommendations. We will analyze the association between environmental and psychosocial variables and PA levels during pregnancy. This observational and cross-sectional study will include pregnant women in their second trimester. Questionnaires will assess obstetric, psychosocial, built-environmental perceptions, and PA factors. PA will also be objectively measured using accelerometers. Geographic Information Systems will objectively analyze built-environment attributes. Birth and neonatal variables will be obtained from patient clinical histories. Multiple regression models will be used to evaluate how personal, psychosocial, and environmental variables influence PA. This study will potentially contribute to characterize the environments that favor PA during pregnancy.