Effect of Self-Care Consulting on Nutrition and Physical Activity among Women Planning for Pregnancy in Karaj, 2016

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of self-care consultation on the nutrition and physical activity of women who are planning for pregnancy in Karaj, 2016.
In the present study, 40 women who were planning for pregnancy constituted the research sample who were selected by convenience sampling. Data collection tools included demographic questionnaire and self-care check list based on “CDC preconception health indicators, 2009”. Consultation was done based on 5A (asses, advise, agree, assist and follow-up) model. Self-care score scope was measured before, one month and three months after consulting in the area of nutrition and physical activity (with 19 questions). This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Alborz University of Medical Sciences. Also a clinical trial registry (IRCT2016042827557N2) was performed. Sampling was performed from April to December 2016. One and three months after counselling sessions, the follow-up was done. SPSS v22 and Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used to analyze the data at the significance level of 0.05
Findings: The results showed that the self-care level of women planning for pregnancy in the area of nutrition has changed significantly one month (p=0/001) and three months (p=0/0001) after consultation. Also their physical activity increased significantly one month (p=0/001) and three months (p=0/0001) months after consultation.
Counselling based on self-care plays an important role in improving the nutrition and physical activity of women planning for pregnancy. Based on individual capabilities, focusing on self-care can promote their performance in the area of nutrition and physical activity before pregnancy.