Understanding pregnant women's readiness to engage in risk-reducing measures to prevent infections during pregnancy. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vandrevala, Tushna; Barber, Victoria; Calvert, Anna; Star, Caroline; Khalil, Asma; Griffiths, Paul; Heath, Paul T; Jones, Christine E
• Is Part Of: Journal of health psychology. Volume 26:Number 10(2021)
• Page Start: 1728
• Page End: 1740
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: antenatal care -- cytomegalovirus -- infection -- pregnancy; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105319884609
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1053

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a conceptual understanding of women's readiness to engage in behaviours to reduce the risk of acquiring infections during pregnancy, using cytomegalovirus, the most common congenital infection as a case. Thirty-three pregnant women participated in semi-structured interviews. The findings illustrate that for behavioural change to become viable, it is necessary for individuals to consider barriers or facilitators at the individual, inter-personal and system levels. By widening the theoretical lens beyond individual cognitive determinants, the model places sufficient emphasis on factors, such as collective identity, support networks, interaction with the healthcare system and wider community, relevant to pregnant women.