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Table 3 Overview of thematic analysis according to the COM-B model

From: Pregnant women’s experiences of social distancing behavioural guidelines during the Covid-19 pandemic ‘lockdown’ in the UK, a qualitative interview study

COM-B category

Themes identified

BEHAVIOUR

 Social distancing (in accordance with guidelines)

Adhering

More extreme

Slight deviations

CAPABLITY – The individual’s physical and psychological capability to engage in the behaviour(s)

 Psychological capability (understanding/ mental processes)

Knowledge and understanding of guidance around social distancing behaviours

Confidence in ability to enact social distancing behaviours

 Physical capability

Physical capability had little impact on social distancing behaviour

OPPORTUNITY – Environmental factors influencing the behaviour(s)

 Social opportunity

Social norms to comply with social distancing

Household composition impacts on ability to enact social distancing

Social distancing compromised by strangers in public spaces

 Physical opportunity

Impacts of home environment and resources

Work environment/ ability to work from home

Shopping for essentials including preparation for the baby

Healthcare appointments

MOTIVATION – Individual internal factors that direct the behaviour(s)

 Reflexive motivation

Motivated to adhere to social distancing guidelines

Establishment of routines to enable social distancing

Intentions to continue to adhere to guidelines

Risks and balance of risks to determine behaviour

 Automatic motivation

Emotional drivers of social distancing

Automatic behaviours

Beyond COM-B: cross-cutting themes

 Isolation, mental health, and loss of maternity care

Isolation and mental health impacts

Loss of maternity care – communication issues

Loss of maternity care