gms | German Medical Science

Background: Midwifery support can have a long-lasting positive impact on the care users. To strengthen health, one goal is to positively influence health behaviours such as regular exercise, smoking cessation during pregnancy or healthy eating in a sustainable way.

Aim/research question: The aim was to generate an overview of behaviour change programmes in pregnancy. A special focus was obtained on self-efficacy as well as other empowerment components. The role of midwives in behaviour change programmes was also identified.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted in 2018. The databases PubMed, CINAHL, MIDIRS and PsycINFO were systematically screened. It examined behaviour change programmes in pregnancy. The strengthening of self-efficacy as well as further empowerment components were observed. Likewise, the role of midwives in behaviour change programmes was assessed.

Results: Thirty behaviour change programmes were compared. Health behaviour was attempted to be supported mainly through knowledge transfer. For strengthening self-efficacy beliefs (n=9), six studies did not specify how the strengthening was carried out. Out of these nine studies, one used mastery experience and verbal persuasion and one study used the combination of mastery experience, verbal persuasion and vicarious experience to strengthen health behaviour. Moreover, the following empowerment components were used for behaviour change during pregnancy: Skills and Competencies (n=30), Innovation (n=30), Goal Setting and Achievement (n=10), Reflective Thinking (n=5), Social Support and Social Capital (n=4), and Shared Decision Making (n=1). In nine studies midwives were included with supporting tasks such as distribution of information materials.

Relevancy: With regard to sustainable health care, it is evident that the potential of midwives through promotion of autonomy is not being used. It becomes apparent that through the academisation of the midwifery profession, the professional group needs to be more clearly placed in the area of responsibility and prepared for health promotion in maternity care.

Recommendations/conclusion: Studies should describe their interventions detailed for clear interpretation of the results. Women can be empowered through the interaction and support of the environment by professionals. Knowledge transfer is the main strategy to positively influence health behaviour. Self-efficacy and other empowerment components have primary not been specifically used, but could have a lasting beneficial effect on women’s health behaviour. The potential to promote the competences of women and their environment should be used more systematically by midwives.

Ethics and conflicts of interest: A vote on ethics was not necessary. The research was financed by own resources. There are no conflicts of interest.