| Popis: |
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). 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. |
