Evaluation of pregnant women's knowledge and attitude toward physical exercise during pregnancy at maternity hospitals.

Abstract

Background: There are major health benefits to physical exercise during pregnancy for mothers and newborns. However, physical inactivity during pregnancy varies worldwide, but it is more common during the third trimester of pregnancy. A positive attitude toward antenatal exercise can reduce physical inactivity.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate pregnant women's knowledge and attitude toward physical exercise during pregnancy and to find out the relationship between pregnant women's knowledge and attitude.

Methods: This is a descriptive study utilizing a non-probability purposive sample of 200 women. The data were collected by distributing a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised 37 questions for knowledge and 15 questions for attitude. This study was conducted from October 2021 to November 2022.

Results: The higher percentage of women's age was 20-24 years, and 30% graduated from primary school. Nearly two-thirds of them were in the second trimester. More than one-third of them have two to three living children. Nearly two-thirds of women have poor knowledge levels about physical exercise during pregnancy, but most of them have a positive attitude. There is a significant relationship between pregnant women's knowledge and attitude.

Conclusion: This study indicated that most of the study sample had poor knowledge regarding physical exercise during pregnancy. However, they have a positive attitude toward physical exercise during pregnancy.