Abstract
The obesity epidemic in the U.S. is at an all-time high. Among women of reproductive age (20-39), 39.7% are classified as obese, leading to a rise in the prevalence of obesity related complications. During pregnancy women are particularly vulnerable to increase their body mass index (BMI), experience excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG), and subsequent postpartum weight retention (PPWR). EGWG and PPWR can predict subsequent obesity and have negative health implications for mothers. While physical activity (PA) is a widely accepted method for weight management, and an essential contributor to maternal health, postpartum women face personal and environmental barriers to engage in PA. The objective of this study was to explore barriers to engagement in PA. A secondary analysis of Listening to Mothers III: Third National U.S. Survey of Women's Childbearing Experiences Initial and Follow-Up Survey was conducted. Summary statistics for socio-demographics were calculated for the overall sample and by engagement in PA. Mothers who were not employed during their pregnancy were excluded from the study. Chi-square test of independence was used to examine differences in PA engagement among women with varying maternity leave and depressive symptoms. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression model analyses were fit to assess the relationship among depressive symptoms and maternity leave in relation to engagement in PA, controlling for demographic characteristics. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Data management and statistical analysis were performed with SAS University Edition. There were no significant associations between past 2-week engagement in PA among mothers who took paid maternity leave compared to no leave or unpaid leave (p=0.2090) or those who reported depressive symptoms compared to those who did not (p=0.1854). Past 2-week engagement in PA significantly differed by mode of birth, satisfaction with length in maternity leave, parity, and pain after childbirth (all p-values < 0.05).