Associations between social-network characteristics and postpartum health behaviors and weight among a sample of women who were overweight/obese pre-pregnancy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Retention of weight postpartum increases risk for long-term morbidity, including cardiometabolic disease. Although retained weight postpartum is a complex problem, interventions generally address individual diet and activity behaviors.

Objectives

We investigated the impact of social-network factors on postpartum health behaviors and weight.

Design

We used an explanatory-sequential mixed-methods approach. This article reports our quantitative findings.

Methods

Childbearing people receiving care at university-based clinics were eligible if aged 18+, 12-15 months postpartum, with a pre-pregnancy BMI ⩾ 25 kg/m². An online survey collected participants' demographic and outcome data and structured surveys collected personal social-network data.

SUBMITTER: Kent-Marvick J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11905029 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature