Buggy walking groups: An asset-based approach to health care

McInnes, Rhona J; Dickson, Colette; Barclay, Carol

Abstract

Postnatal buggy walking is an accessible activity for new mothers, but there has been limited assessment of its impact on wellbeing in healthy postnatal populations or on community based health services. This evaluation explored women's perceptions of the effect of participating in health visitor-led postnatal buggy walk groups and of health visitor involvement. A mixed methods approach was used comprising surveys, focus groups and individual interviews. Findings indicate that health visitor-led group buggy walks are an innovative, asset-based approach to health care. Mothers perceived that participation improved their wellbeing, helped them cope with parenting and enabled them to develop important supportive social networks. The health visitor facilitated first attendance, incentivised continuation and provided women with an accessible health resource.

Citation

McInnes, R. J., Dickson, C., & Barclay, C. (2017). Buggy walking groups: An asset-based approach to health care. Journal of Health Visiting, 5(5), 236-243. https://doi.org/10.12968/johv.2017.5.5.236

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 10, 2017
• Online Publication Date: May 19, 2017
• Publication Date: May 19, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jul 24, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 20, 2017
• Journal: Journal of Health Visiting
• Print ISSN: 2050-8719
• Electronic ISSN: 2052-2908
• Publisher: Mark Allen Healthcare
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 5
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 236-243
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/johv.2017.5.5.236
• Keywords: physical activity, postnatal, asset based, buggy walk, health visitor
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/957045