Conception of a resource: development of a physical activity and healthy living resource with and for pregnant urban First Nations and Métis women in Ottawa, Canada

Abstract

First Nations and Métis women in Canada experience increased risk of poor health outcomes in pregnancy compared to non-Aboriginal women. There is limited literature on the availability and use of physical activity (PA) and obesity prevention resources for Aboriginal women during pregnancy, which are important components of prenatal health care. This paper aims to demonstrate how community-based participatory research (CBPR) led to the development of a resource for urban Aboriginal women to support them in being physically active and preventing excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Participants, who included pregnant or postpartum women and care providers who serve Aboriginal women during pregnancy, indicated a lack of access to relevant pregnancy resources. Participants suggested the development of a culturally safe online pregnancy application created for/with urban Aboriginal women in Ottawa. We contend that CBPR is an effective approach to health promotion and technology development that can lead to community-generated, culturally safe, relevant, and creative health interventions.

Keywords:

• Aboriginal health
• online application
• Community-based participatory research
• pregnancy
• postcolonial feminism