Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the current status and latent profiles of physical activity self-efficacy among women with preconception overweight or obesity. METHODS: A convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 400 pregnant women with a preconception body mass index greater than 24 kg/m(2) from a tertiary maternal and child health hospital in Zhengzhou, China, between January and April 2025. Data were collected using the Physical Activity Self-Efficacy Scale and the Social Support for Prenatal Physical Activity Scale. Latent profile analysis was conducted using Mplus 8.3, and univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0. RESULTS: A total of 388 valid questionnaires were analyzed. Women with preconception overweight/obesity were categorized into three distinct latent profiles: Low Management-Health Education Dependent (45.6%, characterized by reliance on healthcare guidance), Moderate Motivation-Execution Support Limited (44.9%, demonstrating partial self-regulation but constrained by external factors), and High Efficacy-Autonomous Persistence Driven (9.5%, exhibiting strong self-motivation and adherence). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that having an exercise plan during pregnancy, prior knowledge of prenatal exercise, and social support for physical activity were significant influencing factors. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity self-efficacy among women with preconception overweight/obesity was at a moderate level overall, demonstrating distinct classification characteristics.