Comparison of health-promoting behaviours, eating behaviour patterns and perceived social support in normal-weight and overweight pregnant women: An unmatched case–control study

Abstract

Aim: The interventions based on adopting a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy have conflicting results. This study aimed to compare health-promoting, dietary patterns and social support in normal and overweight pregnant women. Design: An unmatched case–control design was used. Methods: A total of 360 pregnant women were selected using multistage cluster sampling and divided into two groups of normal and overweight cases. Data were collected using demographic and obstetrics characteristics, health-promoting lifestyle, perceived social support and eating behaviour questionnaires. Results: The evaluation of the health-promoting behaviours and dietary patterns demonstrated a significant difference between the mean of total scores and their subdomains including self-actualization, nutrition, consumption of healthy and low-fat foods, fast food and sweets, as well as emotional eating and accidental planning. There was no significant difference between the two groups about social support.