Development of a Postpartum Physical Activity Intervention after a Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy: The Barrier Analysis

Jaclyn Dziewior Borrowman; William Story; Lucas Carr; Gary Pierce; Bethany Barone Gibbs; Kara Whittaker

doi:10.5993/AJHB.49.5.5

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Development of a Postpartum Physical Activity Intervention after a Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy: The Barrier Analysis

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Development of a Postpartum Physical Activity Intervention after a Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy: The Barrier Analysis

Jaclyn Dziewior Borrowman, William Story, Lucas Carr, Gary Pierce, Bethany Barone Gibbs and Kara Whittaker

American journal of health behavior, Vol.49(5), pp.546-555

10/31/2025

DOI: 10.5993/AJHB.49.5.5

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Abstract

Objectives: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy affect ˜16% of all pregnancies and is associated with a 2-4-fold greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although physical activity (PA) is a known modifiable risk factor for CVD, understanding of influences on postpartum PA after a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy is limited. We assessed PA determinants and desired intervention features of postpartum individuals after a hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Methods: Individuals diagnosed with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy participated in a cross-sectional online survey assessing CVD risk, PA, behavioral determinants, and desired intervention components. Independent t-tests or Fisher's exact tests were conducted to evaluate differences by activity level. Results: Respondents (N=72) were 30.9 years on average, white (84.7%), and had at least a bachelor's degree (69.5%). Those who were currently active reported greater CVD knowledge than inactive individuals (19.8 vs 17.4 of 26 total points) and less difficulty being active everyday given current resources (2.10 ± 0.94 vs 1.69 ± 0.93). All respondents indicated interest in a PA intervention, with the most desirable intervention attributes including use of a PA monitoring device, online PA videos, and involved partners. Conclusions: Interventions promoting increased postpartum PA after diagnosis of a hypertensive disorders of pregnancy should consider the unique behavioral determinants affecting PA patterns, especially across current activity levels.

Cardiovascular Disease

Health Promotion

Physical Activity

Postpartum Care

Women's Health

Details

Title: Subtitle: Development of a Postpartum Physical Activity Intervention after a Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy: The Barrier Analysis
Creators: Jaclyn Dziewior Borrowman - Northwestern University
William Story - West Virginia University
Lucas Carr - University of Iowa
Gary Pierce - University of Iowa
Bethany Barone Gibbs - University of Iowa
Kara Whittaker - Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: American journal of health behavior, Vol.49(5), pp.546-555
DOI: 10.5993/AJHB.49.5.5
ISSN: 1087-3244
Publisher: PNG Publications
Language: English
Date published: 10/31/2025
Academic Unit: Family and Community Medicine; Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center; Community and Behavioral Health; Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center; Health, Sport, and Human Physiology ; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9985090635102771

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