Attitude, Facilitators, and Barriers Regarding Physical Activity in Pregnant Women: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Context: The benefits of physical activity extend to the mother and the developing child. Pregnant women who are physically active had lower incidence of problems throughout pregnancy and postpartum than pregnant women who are not physically active. It is crucial to have a thorough understanding of women’s attitudes toward childbirth and the factors that affect their involvement in physical activity (influencing factors) since childbirth poses numerous physical, emotional, and practical problems to women and is known to interfere with regular physical exercise. Aim: The aim of the study was to study attitude and influencing factors (facilitators and barriers) regarding physical activity in pregnant women. Setting and Design: The study design was a cross-sectional observational study. Methods: Approval for the current cross-sectional study was taken by the institutional ethical committee. This study was planned for primi gravida from all three trimesters, and high-risk pregnancy was excluded from the study. Participants had filled the self-designed validated questionnaire which consists of six questions regarding attitude and factors which affected the participation in physical activity. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive analysis. Results: Out of 100 participants, 89% had a positive outlook toward physical activity during pregnancy and 91% thought that it is beneficial, 60% of them engage in physical activity on a regular basis. Factors that influenced their participation were mainly social (88%), environmental (45%), and intrapersonal factors (90%). Conclusion: Attitude toward physical activity during pregnancy is positive.in-spite of participation in physical activity on a regular basis, however it is limited due to the various influencing factors which act as barriers.