ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF ANTENATAL EXERCISES AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINICS IN SELECTED HOSPITALS IN KANO

ABSTRACT Background: To date, intervention studies show that exercise during pregnancy may enhance quality for wellbeing, improve fitness, prevent excessive maternal weight gain and low back pain also decrease the risk of depression pregnancy and postpartum. Hence, this study was carried out to assess the knowledge and attitude about exercise during pregnancy among antenatal mothers. Methods: A total of 214 antenatal mothers were included in the study. The study is cross sectional survey, comprising of women attending antenatal clinic in selected hospitals in Kano. Ethical clearance was sought and obtained from Kano State Ministry of Health prior to the commencement of the study. KAP ANEx questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of antenatal exercises. Percentages, frequency and mean were used to describe the demographics of the participants, chi square was used to determine the association between the knowledge, attitude and practice of antenatal exercises at alpha level of 0.05 using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Results: Among 214 pregnant women, 104 had adequate knowledge, 210 positive attitude, and 158 good practice respectively. Overall, 214 women were selected on basis of the selection criteria. Coping with delivery pain (99.1%), increase energy and stamina (99.1%) and enhances postnatal recovery (66.1%), were perceived as benefits of antenatal exercises. Brisk walking (70.1%), Knowledge of antenatal XI exercises among pregnant women is significantly associated with higher education, gestational period. Conclusion: The knowledge of our women on exercise during pregnancy was more than average, and their attitude was favourable. Many were actually practicing exercise in pregnancy. However, they don’t know the prescription of exercise based on type, time, duration, intensity and trimester of pregnancy to be given.