Knowledge, Attitude and Performance of Physical Exercise among Pregnant Women Attending the Antenatal Clinic at Federal Medical Centre Asaba, Nigeria

Background: There is currently an increased global interest amongst researchers on the safety and effects of physical exercise for pregnant women. Both national and international committees for its overall health benefits promote regular exercise. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, recommends that pregnant women can exercise moderately for 30 mins on most days of the week. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pregnant women to antenatal exercises at Federal Medical Centre Asaba, Nigeria, 2022.

Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 pregnant women. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were obtained on demographic and maternal characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and practice of pregnant women to antenatal exercises through a structured questionnaire. The data was subsequently analyzed using statistical package of social science version 20 (SPSS 20). Frequency and percentage were used to summarize the data and chi statistical test was used to test significant association at a p-value of <0.05.

Results: A total of 200 pregnant women were recruited for this study. It was found that 53%, 44% and 10% had adequate knowledge, a positive attitude, and good practice respectively of antenatal exercises. Prevention of back pain (93%), ability to cope with delivery (87%) and excess weight gain (90%) were perceived as benefits, while difficulty in breathing (55.7%), abdominal pain (52.6%), severe back pain (29.9%) and headache (52.6%) were considered as contraindications to antenatal exercises. Walking (74%), relaxation (30%), and breathing exercise (25%) were the most practiced antenatal exercises, while pelvic floor (8%) and abdominal strengthening exercises (9%) were poorly practiced. There was a significant association between age group, BMI, trimester, number of children, level of education and the participants’ knowledge, attitude, and practice towards antenatal exercises (P<0.05). There was a significant association between the level of knowledge and attitude (P<0.05) but an insignificant association with their practice level to antenatal exercises (P>0.05).

Conclusion: This study shows that pregnant women demonstrated a good knowledge and positive attitude but had poor practice level towards antenatal exercises. Regular exercise programs should be incorporated by physiotherapists and healthcare professionals into antenatal classes that is safe for both mother and neonate.

Abstract