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Beliefs, Attitudes, and Practices of Latinas Related to Gestational Weight Gain: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis

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Abstract

Introduction

Excessive and inadequate gestational weight gain (GWG) are associated with a number of negative health outcomes for mother and infant. Approximately two-thirds or more of Latinas gain outside of GWG guidelines. Acculturation plays a role in GWG-related factors, however the views of Latinas are often aggregated in overall study samples, thus trivializing the specific needs of this demographic group. The purpose of the present meta-ethnography was to better understand GWG beliefs, attitudes, and practice among Latinas by synthesizing extant qualitative findings on this topic.

Methods

Qualitative studies offer an important window into Latinas’ views and practices related to GWG. A qualitative meta-ethnography (a form of meta-synthesis) was implemented to synthesize qualitative studies about Latinas’ views of GWG-related factors. An initial sample of articles was distilled based on meta-ethnography guidelines from Noblit and Hare (1988) to a final sample of six qualitative articles that included perspectives from Latinas.

Results

Six concepts emerged across the studies, they included: shifts in feeling control, inconsistent/lacking information, self vs. other, applied wisdom, isolation vs. support, and everyday practicality. Studies met most quality assessment criteria (Atkins et al., BMC Medical Research Methodology 8:21, 2008).

Discussion

The views of Latinas about GWG-related factors are often buried in with perspectives of other women, which hides important details that are valuable for health program interventions designed to support these women. Future research should further explore the cultural differences in experience among Latinas to produce information and resources that are culturally relevant and relatable.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism, The University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311460, Denton, TX, 76203-5017, USA

    Sara Champlin

  2. School of Nursing, The University of Texas At Austin, 1710 Red River Street, Austin, TX, 78712, USA

    Lorraine O. Walker

  3. Department of Population Health, Stan Richards School for Advertising and Public Relations, Center for Health Communication, The University of Texas At Austin, 300 W. Dean Keeton (A1200), BMC 4.338, Austin, TX, 78712-1069, USA

    Michael Mackert

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  1. Sara Champlin
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  2. Lorraine O. Walker
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  3. Michael Mackert
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Correspondence to Sara Champlin.

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Champlin, S., Walker, L.O. & Mackert, M. Beliefs, Attitudes, and Practices of Latinas Related to Gestational Weight Gain: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis. Matern Child Health J 25, 107–117 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-020-03092-1

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