The effect of education based on self-efficacy strategies in changing postpartum physical activity

Postpartum women for low rates of physical activity are at risk for increase weight and obesity. The aim of this study was to examine self-efficacy as a moderator on changes in postpartum physical activity.
This study was a randomized controlled trial conducted on 80 postpartum (intervention (n=40) and control (n=40) groups) referred to health centers in Mashhad, Iran which were randomly selected by multistage cluster. The data collection instruments were the standard Exercise self-efficacy Scale (ESS) and International physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). The educational intervention was designed based on self-efficacy strategies’ and was performed in two educational sessions lasting 80 minutes and practical sessions. Before and Two months after the intervention, questionnaires were repeated again. Data were analyzed and compared in SPSS 16 software by Independent Paired T and one way ANOVA.
This study indicated that only 15% of mothers had high exercise self-efficacy and 35% of them had moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), before education intervention. In addition, there was no significant difference between the mean of self-efficacy and physical activity scores. However, two months after intervention, a significant increase was observed in the mean of scores in the intervention group compared to those of control group (PAccording to the effect of self-efficacy on physical activity, it is suggested that workshops should be held in health centers based on self-efficacy physical activity strategies for postpartum women.