Project MOMS: Mothers, Movement, and Maternal Healthcare Providers Study

ABSTRACT Introduction Although physical activity during pregnancy is beneficial for both mother and fetus, there are persisting barriers to physical activity prescription within the healthcare space. The purpose of this study was to 1) examine maternal healthcare providers’ physical activity assessments of their patients, 2) assess maternal healthcare providers’ physical activity knowledge and physical activity prescriptions, and 3) determine maternal healthcare providers’ perceived barriers to physical activity prescription. Methods Each participant completed a demographics questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form, and Barriers to Prescribing Physical Activity Questionnaire. Statistical analyses of the factors contributing to physical activity prescription were calculated using Pearson correlation chi-square analysis. Results Participants ( n = 104; 87% female, 66% White) practiced in medical training programs across the United States. Sixty-four percent of respondents did not inquire about physical activity at most or every visit, but a higher frequency of asking patients about their physical activity habits was moderately and positively related to the percentage of patients who were given a physical activity prescription ( r = 0.37; P < 0.001). Forty-one percent of maternal healthcare providers were unaware of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines, yet more awareness of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines was moderately and positively related to providing physical activity prescriptions to patients ( r = 0.39, P < 0.0001). Lack of time was the largest perceived barrier to physical activity prescription, with 77% of providers including it as “very much” a barrier. Conclusion Findings suggest that, although maternal healthcare providers report feeling confident in their knowledge of developing physical activity prescriptions, most have not been formally trained. These findings demonstrate that physical activity and prescription education among medical professionals during their foundational years of training is a vital next step in improving physical activity levels in pregnant women and improving overall maternal and fetal outcomes.