Raju S, Cowdell F, Dyson J. Barriers and facilitators to healthy gestational weight gain amongst pregnant women from ethnic minority groups: A systematic search and narrative synthesis.
Midwifery 2024;
135:104051. [PMID:
38870776 DOI:
10.1016/j.midw.2024.104051]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Excessive weight gain can be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of both mother and child. There is evidence that women from ethnic minority groups are more likely to gain excessive weight during pregnancy. For the purpose of this review, ethnic minority women are defined as those with different national or cultural traditions from the main population.
AIM
Our aim was to identify barriers and facilitators to healthy gestational weight gain in pregnant women in ethnic minority groups.
METHODS
Databases searched were MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo and PsycArticles between 2011 and 2022. Inclusion criteria were empirical studies of any method considering gestational weight gain in ethnic minority women published in English. Data were extracted according to aim, participants, methods, and findings in relation to barriers and facilitators. Included papers were assessed for quality according to relevant Joanna Briggs Institute checklists.
FINDINGS
Twenty-six studies were identified. Five themes were revealed: (1) knowledge and beliefs, (2) cultural and social influences, (3) confidence, (4) physical experiences, and (5) personal and environmental factors.
DISCUSSION
Some barriers and facilitators were relevant to all groups and others were more specific to ethnic minority groups. The latter included social and cultural influences, which were reported extensively. Our search was comprehensive, although it is possible we may not have captured all relevant papers.
CONCLUSION
We recommend that the barriers and facilitators identified here are considered in designing future, or adjusting current, health care practitioner mediated interventions to support healthy gestational weight gain in ethnic minority women.
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