Lifestyle Interventions to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Mothers with Young Children: A Scoping Review

Lifestyle interventions are effective in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but few target mothers of toddlers and preschool-aged children. Cardiovascular risk factors may emerge or worsen during this life stage due to high child-rearing demands, with the potential to persist long-term. We scoped the literature to synthesize findings and highlight future research opportunities regarding CVD prevention interventions among mothers of young children.

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, and APA PsycINFO for 2010-2024 peer-reviewed, English-language articles about CVD risk reduction lifestyle interventions for mothers with young children aged 1-5 years. Due to limited initial results, we broadened this demographic criterion to include mothers with children either <1-5 years (infants to young children) or 1-12 years (young to school-age children).

Six of 424 studies were eligible for review. Only one study exclusively enrolled mothers with children aged 1-5 years. Three enrolled mothers with children between <1 and 5 years; two enrolled mothers with children between 1 and 12 years. Four interventions were conducted in-person and two via digital formats. All interventions targeted ≥1 cardiovascular health component as defined by Life's Essential 8, including weight (n = 4), diet (n = 4), physical activity (n = 3), blood pressure (n = 3), blood glucose (n = 2), and blood lipids (n = 2). None addressed nicotine exposure nor sleep. Five studies reported statistically significant results for at least one of their outcomes.

Very few studies discuss lifestyle interventions for CVD prevention among mothers of young children, highlighting a salient gap and opportunities for additional research in this population.