PERCEIVED BENEFITS OF EXERCISE AMONG PREGNANT MOTHERS IN IKWO LGA, EBONYI STATE

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PERCEIVED BENEFITS OF EXERCISE AMONG PREGNANT MOTHERS IN IKWO LGA, EBONYI STATE

Abstract

This study investigates the perceived benefits of exercise among pregnant mothers in Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA), Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The research aims to explore the attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions of pregnant women regarding the impact of physical activity on their health and pregnancy outcomes. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, with a sample of 200 pregnant women selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, focusing on the perceived benefits of exercise during pregnancy, including physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. The findings revealed that a majority of the respondents believed that exercise contributed positively to reducing pregnancy-related complications such as excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes, and back pain. Additionally, many participants reported that physical activity helped improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. However, a significant number of participants expressed concerns about the safety of exercising during pregnancy, citing fears of complications such as premature labor. The study recommends that health educators and practitioners in Ikwo LGA engage in awareness campaigns to promote safe and appropriate exercise routines for pregnant women, highlighting the benefits for maternal and fetal health. Furthermore, healthcare providers should address the safety concerns of pregnant women through education and guidance on suitable physical activities during pregnancy.

Keywords: perceived benefits, exercise, pregnant mothers, health, pregnancy outcomes, Ikwo LGA, Ebonyi State.

CHAPTER ONE:

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Physical activity and exercise are integral to maintaining overall health and well-being, particularly during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a critical period in a woman’s life, and maintaining an active lifestyle during this time has been shown to provide numerous health benefits for both the mother and the developing fetus (Artal & O’Toole, 2003). The perception of exercise’s benefits among pregnant women, however, varies across different regions, cultures, and educational backgrounds. In some societies, exercise during pregnancy is viewed with skepticism due to concerns about safety and the risk of complications (Ruchat et al., 2012). In contrast, other pregnant women recognize the potential benefits of staying physically active, including reducing common discomforts such as back pain, fatigue, and excessive weight gain (Mottola, 2010).

In Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi State, Nigeria, there is limited research on the awareness and attitudes of pregnant women towards physical exercise and its perceived benefits. As a predominantly rural area, the residents may not have access to sufficient healthcare information regarding the advantages of physical activity during pregnancy. This study aims to explore the perceived benefits of exercise among pregnant mothers in this region, with a focus on their knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes towards engaging in physical activity during pregnancy.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Pregnancy-related complications, such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia, are prevalent in Nigeria, contributing to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality (Ogunmodede et al., 2020). While exercise has been identified as a preventive measure for several of these complications, many pregnant women, especially in rural areas like Ikwo, may not perceive it as beneficial. Moreover, a lack of proper health education on safe exercise during pregnancy may result in low participation rates among expectant mothers. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining the perceived benefits of exercise among pregnant mothers in Ikwo LGA, Ebonyi State, to understand the factors influencing their exercise behavior and attitudes.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objectives of this study are:

To assess the perceived benefits of exercise among pregnant mothers in Ikwo LGA, Ebonyi State.

To identify the factors influencing pregnant women’s perceptions of exercise during pregnancy.

To determine the relationship between the perceived benefits of exercise and the exercise practices of pregnant women.

To provide recommendations for health education programs aimed at promoting exercise during pregnancy.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions guide this study:

What are the perceived benefits of exercise among pregnant mothers in Ikwo LGA, Ebonyi State?

What factors influence the perceptions of exercise among pregnant women in Ikwo LGA?

What is the relationship between the perceived benefits of exercise and the actual exercise practices of pregnant women in the study area?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant in several ways. First, it will contribute to the understanding of how pregnant women in rural areas perceive the benefits of exercise, which can inform the development of targeted health education and intervention programs. Second, it will help healthcare providers in Ikwo LGA to understand the concerns and misconceptions pregnant women may have regarding exercise, enabling them to provide more effective counseling and guidance. Finally, the findings will contribute to the broader body of knowledge on maternal health, specifically regarding the role of physical activity in improving pregnancy outcomes.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study is limited to pregnant women residing in Ikwo LGA, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The focus is on their perceptions of the benefits of exercise during pregnancy, with no specific focus on the physical, medical, or psychological assessments of exercise during pregnancy. Data will be collected through a survey of pregnant women in the area, who will be asked about their views on the importance of exercise for maternal and fetal health.

1.7 Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework for this study is based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), which posits that an individual’s health behavior is influenced by their perceptions of the severity of a health problem, the benefits of taking preventive action, and the barriers to taking that action (Rosenstock, 1974). In the context of this study, the perceived benefits of exercise during pregnancy are influenced by factors such as maternal health awareness, cultural beliefs, and knowledge of the potential risks and rewards of physical activity. The framework will help examine how these perceptions affect the likelihood of pregnant women engaging in exercise during pregnancy.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Exercise: Physical activity that is planned, structured, and repetitive for the purpose of improving or maintaining physical fitness (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2020).

Perceived Benefits: The beliefs or views individuals hold about the positive outcomes of engaging in a particular behavior, in this case, exercise during pregnancy (Champion, 1999).

Pregnancy-Related Complications: Health problems that arise during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia, which can affect both the mother and fetus (Ogunmodede et al., 2020).

Ikwo LGA: A local government area in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, predominantly rural, with limited access to healthcare information and services.

1.9 Organization of the Study

This study is organized into five chapters. Chapter one introduces the research topic, presenting the background, problem statement, objectives, research questions, significance, scope, and conceptual framework. Chapter two provides a review of relevant literature on exercise during pregnancy, the benefits of physical activity, and the perceptions of pregnant women towards exercise. Chapter three outlines the methodology used to collect and analyze the data. Chapter four presents the results of the study, while chapter five discusses the findings and provides recommendations for healthcare providers and policymakers.

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