{
  "abstract": "Objectives To explore general practitioners’ (GPs) perceived capability, opportunity and motivation to discuss physical activity during the 6-8 week postnatal check, using the COM-B model of behaviour change as conceptual framework.Design Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews, with data analysed thematically using the COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour) model as the conceptual framework.Setting UK National Health Service (NHS) general practice.Participants Seven practising NHS GPs who had conducted at least one 6-8 week postnatal check within the preceding 12 months.Results Seven themes were derived from the interviews conducted. Maternal history, GP pregnancy experience and access to information resources were those found relevant to GPs’ capability to discuss physical activity. Patients’ social background and GPs’ clinical priorities were identified as the main barriers to opportunity. The balance between GPs’ positive outlooks on physical activity and maternal readiness to assimilate advice was described in relation to motivation to discussion.Conclusions Although GPs are motivated to promote postnatal physical activity, structural and contextual constraints limit consistent delivery. Improving access to efficient, credible signposting resources may enhance capability and support sensitive integration of physical activity promotion within routine care.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "University of Bath, Bath, UK",
    "Advanced Wellbeing and Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK"
  ],
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  "author_total": 3,
  "authors": [
    {
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        0
      ],
      "name": "Joseph Morwood",
      "orcid": "0009-0007-0573-5099"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Peter C Rouse"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        1
      ],
      "name": "Marlize De Vivo"
    }
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  "doi": "10.1136/bmjopen-2026-122011",
  "fulltext_url": "https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/16/10/e122011.full",
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      "heading",
      "General practice / Family practice"
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  "pmcid": "PMC13711559",
  "pmid": "42919580",
  "published": "2026-10-23",
  "publisher": "BMJ",
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  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "medicine",
      "origin": "openalex:2737|Physical Activity and Health",
      "subfield": "physiology"
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  "title": "General practitioners’ capability, opportunity and motivation to discuss physical activity at the 6-8 week postnatal check in the UK: a qualitative study using the COM-B model",
  "title_text": "General practitioners’ capability, opportunity and motivation to discuss physical activity at the 6-8 week postnatal check in the UK: a qualitative study using the COM-B model",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-10-31T12:22:19Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/474szvg8v5b8v",
  "venue": "BMJ Open",
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}