Construction of a pregnancy exercise evaluation scale based on the modified Delphi method

Abstract

Background: With in-depth research on physical exercise and health promotion during pregnancy, the scientific monitoring and evaluation of physical activity during pregnancy have gained increasing importance,with research in this area-becoming more in-depth. Objective: This study aims to synthesize existing information to construct an evaluation index system for physical exercise behavior among pregnant women in China, and to develop a corresponding assessment scale. Methods: Based on literature review and preliminary clinical surveys, this study employed the modified Delphi method to conduct two rounds of questionnaire consultations with 20 experts in related fields. Data were analyzed to calculate the experts' positive coefficient, authority coefficient (Cr), coordination coefficient of variation (CV), and Kendall's coefficient of concordance. The weight of each indicator was determined using the product method. Results: The positive coefficient for both rounds of expert consultation was 100%. The first-round authority coefficients were Cs = 0.804, Ca = 0.953, and Cr = 0.878, while the second-round coefficients were Cs = 0.820, Ca = 0.966, and Cr = 0.893. The coordination degree W for the first round was 0.331 (χ² = 763.552, P < 0.001), and for the second round, it was 0.437 (χ² = 1532.916, P < 0.001). Ultimately, 4 first-level indicators (individual circumstances of pregnant women, health risk assessment, physical exercise behavior and dietary intake, and health outcomes of physical exercise during pregnancy) and 22 second-level indicators (e.g., psychological state, physiological condition, educational