Exercise Among Pregnant Females in Antenatal Clinic in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, Prevalence and Barriers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajmsi.v4i1.3125Keywords:
Antenatal Exercise, Barriers to Exercise, Energy Expenditure, Physical Activity, PregnancyAbstract
Maternal mortality remains a significant global health concern, with physical inactivity being the fourth leading risk factor, contributing to 5.3 million premature deaths. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and impact of exercise among females in antenatal clinics and to study the barriers to exercise during pregnancy. This cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted in antenatal clinics in Tabuk C ity, Saudi Arabia, among pregnant women from September 2022 to December 2022 by using an electronic questionnaire. A total of 168 participants were included in the study. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board, and informed consent was also obtained from participants. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical tests. The study results revealed that the majority of participants were aged 27-35, with 42% being Saudi Arabian citizens. The majority were unemployed, with 43% having a monthly income between 5001 and 10,000 Saudi Riyals. Out of 168 participants, 70% had multiple children and had no abortion history, 51% participated in consistent exercise before pregnancy, and 92% had no medical issues. Energy expenditure varied, with mild activity being the most common. Household activities contributed the most, followed by sports. Obstacles to physical exercise included apprehensions, insufficient energy, fear of injury, joint or muscular pain, and lack of interest. The study highlighted the importance of promoting physical activity among pregnant women, emphasising the need for tailored interventions to improve maternal and fetal well-being.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Zinab Alatawi, Shumukh Saleem S. Aljohani, Walaa Fahad Aljuhani, Nadia Abdualla S. Alomrani, Ghadah Ali R. Alanazi, Maisaa Mokhtar M. Yousuf, Nada Saleem S. Alhawiti, Laila Abdullah S. Alanazi, Atheer Mansour E. Alatawi
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