Using service-users' views to design a maternal obesity intervention

Abstract

Obesity is increasingly a matter of concern in the general population, but maternal obesity has received limited emphasis compared to adult and childhood obesity. In addition there is a lack of evidence regarding service users' views. A qualitative study was conducted to identify and understand the health-care needs of service users in Lambeth in south-east London. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six obese pregnant women and three obese women trying to conceive. The lack of awareness of obesity as well as the lack of existing services was acknowledged. The need to develop and implement evidence-based care pathways which focus on improving the identification and management of obesity and include a community-based multi-component, and culturally sensitive intervention was recommended. This feasibility study has highlighted key issues raised by women given the limited evidence of effectiveness around interventions for this target group.