Promoting a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy in Iran: a best practice implementation project

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy is a critical period that significantly affects the health and well-being of both the mother and the fetus. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during this time is essential for preventing complications and promoting overall health. AIM: This project aimed to promote evidence-based practices for healthy lifestyle considerations during pregnancy. METHODS: This project was guided by the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework and utilized the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) and the JBI Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) tools. Compliance with best practices was assessed through baseline and follow-up audits, and tailored strategies were implemented to address identified barriers. RESULTS: The baseline audit revealed significant gaps between current prenatal education practices and recommended best practices. Zero compliance was reported for the first six criteria, which included verbal and written education on healthy lifestyles, individualized tailoring of information, goal-setting, task planning, and progress monitoring. However, full compliance was observed in the criterion related to opportunities for discussion and questions. Following the implementation of the best evidence, compliance significantly improved across all criteria. Notable improvements were observed in nutritional habits, interpersonal support, and stress management behaviors, which corresponded with increased compliance in tailored education, goal-setting, and progress monitoring. A statistically significant positive correlation was also found between healthy lifestyle scores and compliance with educational guidelines (Spearman's ρ ranging from 0.32 to 0.66, p<0.001), indicating that healthier lifestyle behaviors were associated with higher compliance. CONCLUSION: Implementing evidence-based practices effectively promotes healthy lifestyles among pregnant women. Researchers, health system policymakers, and health care providers are encouraged to prioritize the implementation of evidence-based healthy lifestyle education during pregnancy. SPANISH ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A592.