Association between consistent weight gain tracking and gestational weight gain: Secondary analysis of a randomized trial

Abstract

Objective: The effective components of interventions for reducing excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) remain to be identified. This study investigated the sociodemographic, physical, psychosocial, and environmental correlates of online GWG tracking and its independent association with GWG outcomes. Methods: Eight hundred ninety-eight women in the intervention arms of a randomized trial assessing the effectiveness of an integrated online and mobile phone behavioral intervention to decrease the prevalence of excessive GWG were included in this secondary analysis. Data were analyzed using χ2 analysis and modified Poisson and linear regression approaches. Results: Only 16.5% of low-income (Medicaid-eligible) women consistently tracked GWG, as did 34.2% of not-low-income women. More highly educated, older, and white women were more likely to be consistent GWG trackers. Among not-low-income women, consistent GWG tracking was associated with 2.35 kg less GWG (95% CI: −3.23 to −1.46 kg; P < 0.0001) and a reduced risk of excessive GWG (RR 0.73; 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.89; P = 0.002). Conclusions: Electronic tracking of GWG is an effective component of electronic and mobile health interventions aiming to decrease the prevalence of excessive GWG in not-low-income women. Income group-specific motivators are needed to increase the prevalence of GWG tracking.