Effects of the Perceived Self-Efficacy Enhancement Program Through Quality Food Consumption on Weight Retention Among Postpartum Mothers

Abstract

Introduction Postpartum weight retention refers to the persistent weight gain experienced during pregnancy that remains after childbirth, affecting physical and mental health of mothers. Key factors contributing to postpartum weight retention include dietary consumption behaviors and the perception of self-efficacy in controlling food intake. Promoting self-confidence in postpartum women's dietary choices is crucial in encouraging appropriate food consumption and minimizing the risk of postpartum weight retention. 

Objective To compare the average weight retention within the experimental group before and after the intervention, and to compare the weight retention between the control and experimental groups after the intervention. 

Design This study employs a quasi-experimental design with two-group pre-test and post-test. 

Methodology The participants included 66 primigravida postpartum mothers who were at 6 weeks post-childbirth and receiving postpartum check-up services at the postpartum and family planning clinic at a hospital in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Data were collected from July to November 2022. Participants were purposively selected according to inclusion criteria and then matched paired into control and experimental groups, with 33 participants in each group. The experimental group underwent a 10-week perceived self-efficacy enhancement program focused on improving the quality of food consumption, in addition to receiving routine care. The control group received routine care. The intervention consisted of the perceived self-efficacy enhancement program through quality food consumption, developed by the researcher based on the concept of self-efficacy, and delivered through the short message service. Qualified experts evaluated its content validity, resulting in a content validity index (CVI) of 1. Data collection instruments included: 1) a personal information questionnaire, 2) a body weight record, 3) a digital weighing scale, 4) a food consumption recording form for 24-hour recall, and 5) a food consumption self-efficacy assessment scale developed by the researcher. This scale demonstrated high content validity, with a CVI of 1. The scale also revealed good reliability, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of .70. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Independent t-test, Chi-square test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results The average postpartum weight retention in the experimental group after the program (M = 5.01, SD = 1.89) was lower than that before the program (M = 6.24, SD = 1.31), with a statistically significant difference (Z = -3.587, p < .001). Moreover, the average postpartum weight retention in the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group (M = 6.51, SD = 1.71), with a statistically significant difference (Z = -2.873, p = .004). 

Recommendation Nurse-midwives could apply this program to enhance perceived self-efficacy in postpartum mothers who experience weight retention and lack confidence in consuming quality food by reassuring them during the postpartum period, and closely monitoring their food consumption behaviors and postpartum weight retention.