Knowledge, attitude and practice of women in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil with respect to physical exercise in pregnancy: a descriptive study

Abstract

BackgroundPregnancy is a good time to develop healthy lifestyle habits including regular exercise and good nutrition. Programs of physical exercise for pregnant women have been recommended; however, there are few references on this subject in the literature. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of pregnant women with respect to appropriate physical exercise during pregnancy, and also to investigate why some women do not exercise during pregnancy.MethodsA descriptive study was conducted in which 161 women of 18 to 45 years of age were interviewed in the third trimester of pregnancy. These women were receiving prenatal care at National Health Service (SUS) primary healthcare units and had no pathologies for which physical exercise would constitute a risk. The women were selected at an ultrasonography clinic accredited to the SUS in Campinas, São Paulo. A previously elaborated knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) questionnaire was used to collect data, which were then stored in an Epinfo database. Statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test to evaluate the association between the study variables (p < 0.05).ResultsAlmost two-thirds (65.6%) of the women were sufficiently informed about the practice of physical exercise during pregnancy and the vast majority (93.8%) was in favor of it. Nevertheless, only just over 20% of the women in this sample exercised adequately. Significant associations were found between an adequate knowledge of physical exercise during pregnancy and education level (p = 0.0014) and between the adequate practice of physical exercise during pregnancy and having had fewer pregnancies (p = 0.0001). Lack of time and feeling tired and uncomfortable were the principal reasons given by the women for not exercising.ConclusionThese results suggest that women's knowledge concerning the practice of physical exercise during pregnancy is reasonable and their attitude is favorable; however, relatively few actually exercise during pregnancy.

Practice and Pattern of Antenatal and Postnatal Exercise among Nigerian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Nonetheless, this finding may be an indication of a paradigm shift in attitude towards exercise in pregnancy and postpartum period. Anecdotal observation in the study environment is in agreement with previous submissions that acceptance of modern antenatal care, engagement in exercise and delivery care among pregnant women from Africa is inhibited by cultural myths, traditional beliefs and misperceptions (27)(28)(29)(30). Many cultures in Africa, based on fatalistic views observe taboos during pregnancy and postpartum.…”

Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antenatal exercises among pregnant mothers attending De Soyza Maternity Hospital Colombo

“…Strengthening the back muscles and improving the postures minimize the strain during pregnancy on the lower back. Foot and leg exercises should be advised to improve circulation and prevent further complications [1][2][3][4][6][7][8] the latest 9 years ago. These guidelines recommend 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise on most if not all days of the week for pregnant women in the absence of medical or obstetric complications.…”

“…Original PaPers www.slcog.lk/sljog practice of exercises 6,9 . Understanding of the existing knowledge about antenatal exercises among pregnant mothers as well as an insight into attitude regarding antenatal exercises in the context of socio-cultural, educational and economic background of the pregnant mothers is imperative in designing any educational intervention to promote antenatal exercises.…”

Physical Activity; Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Students Living in Semnan University of Medical Sciences Dormitories in Semnan, Iran

“…Regular exercise, as a health-promoting behavior, can prevent or delay a variety of chronic diseases and premature deaths. Furthermore, regular PA and exercises can have a profoundly positive impact on ones mental health, which are associated with reduced depressive symptoms and anxiety, increased marital satisfaction, and improved quality of life (1)(2)(3).…”

“…Today, a majority of the urban population experiences physical or mental illnesses and fatigue. Moreover, the level of physical inactivity is also on the rise in developing and developed countries (3,6). According to the research findings released by World Health Organization, physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for deaths worldwide causing an estimated 2 million deaths annually.…”