The PRIMI project (Promoting Reproductive health In MIgrant women)

Migrant health is a public health priority.

My previous research has demonstrated large differences in the prevalence of unhealthy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) across maternal birth regions.

However, it is unknown whether differences in BMI, GWG and interpregnancy weight change contribute to the large inequalities in adverse pregnancy outcomes previously observed between migrant and non-migrant women.

Furthermore, mHealth interventions have a great potential to promote a healthy lifestyle in migrant women postpartum, but no such interventions have been performed yet.My proposed project, the PRIMI project (Promoting Reproductive health In MIgrant women) will capitalize on my previous research and combine large population-based registry studies, qualitative methodology and a mobile health randomized controlled trial in order to improve reproductive health and health behaviors in migrant women.

Specifically, the PRIMI project will: I) examine the contribution of BMI in early pregnancy, GWG and interpregnancy weight change to adverse pregnancy outcomes in Swedish-born and migrant women.

II) examine the effectiveness of a mobile health intervention delivered postpartum on body weight, diet, physical activity and self-efficacy in women that have migrated to Sweden.

Altogether, the PRIMI project has a significant potential to aid in the development of appropriate clinical care and public health polices to promote the health of migrant women.