Exploring the obesity health beliefs of women in Curaçao: a mixed methods study of women who have given birth at Curaçao Medical Centre

Background: Most of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face a ‘triple burden’ of malnutrition, in which persistent levels of micronutrition and undernutrition deficiencies coincide with the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity. Curaçao is classified as a SIDS and is recorded to have a persistently high rate of obesity over the last 30 years. Objective: This research aims to contribute to the United Nations’ established Sustainable Development Goal of one-third reduction in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and suicide before 2030 in Small Island Developing States. This research provides insights into sociopsychological and environmental factors of obesity for women in Curaçao, to provide contextualised recommendations for future weight management programmes. Methods: A mixed methods explanatory sequential was employed with 17 previous obstetric patients who have a cardiovascular risk profile from Curaçao Medical Center. Data were collected via electronic patient records, a structured questionnaire and semi-structured follow-up questions. Results: The barriers to weight management behaviours are largely rooted within the obesogenic environment of Curaçao. Sociopsychological factors, such as the challenges associated with new motherhood, have a significant impact on participants’ lifestyle choices. Conclusion: To ensure a lasting impact, future weight management programmes in Curaçao should prioritise enhancing participants' self-efficacy and establishing multi-level support systems. These programmes must include education on obesity and its associated comorbidities to build a foundational understanding of health risks. Additionally, interventions should deliver culturally contextualised guidance on healthy lifestyle behaviours, considering the local obstetric environment and ensuring recommendations are realistic and sustainable for individuals to integrate into their daily lives.