Antenatal Exercise Practices: Associated Factors and Correlation with Antenatal Quality of Life
Ojukwu Chidiebele Petronilla
Department of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria.
Anekwu Emelie Moris
Department of Physiotherapy, Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Okemuo Adaora Justina *
Department of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria.
Nwabueze Jennifer Omelogo
Department of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria.
John Davidson Okwudili
Department of Physiotherapy, Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Ezugwu Uche Anthonia
Department of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria.
Uchenwoke Chigozie Ikenna
Department of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The study aims to assess the relationship between antenatal exercise practice and health-related quality of life of Nigerian pregnant women.
Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive correlational.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, Mother of Christ Specialist Hospital Ogui and Polly Clinic Asata, all in Enugu during February to April 2016.
Methodology: A questionnaire adapted from previous studies and SF36 forms were respectively used to obtain information on antenatal exercise practice and health-related quality of life from 300 pregnant women (age range of 17-45 years) who were attending three antenatal clinics in Enugu, Nigeria. Data were analysed with independent t-test and standard multiple regression at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: Present study revealed that a greater percentage of the women practised antenatal exercise (72.3%), particularly aerobics (47.9%) and stretching exercises (24.0%). Majority demonstrated unsuitable duration (61.3%) and frequencies (74.7%) of antenatal exercise practices. Women who practised antenatal exercise significantly (p< 0.001) showed higher values in most health-related quality of life domains, as compared to those who did not exercise. Antenatal exercise practice significantly (p < 0.001) predicted health-related quality of life of the women while frequency and duration of antenatal exercise were not determinants of their health-related quality of life.
Conclusion: Maternal health education on antenatal exercise practices should be intensified and needs to incorporate relevant factors of antenatal exercise, including recommended frequency and duration of practice.
Keywords: Antenatal exercise, practice, frequency, duration, pregnancy, quality of life.