Awareness, Knowledge and Beliefs of Antenatal Exercises in Second Trimester Pregnant Women Attending Castle Steet Hospital for Woman, Colombo 8, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Second trimester of pregnancy is an important period during fetus growth and health of pregnant women. Antenatal exercises during pregnancy are designed to minimize impairments and to promote health while a woman prepares for childbirth. This study was designed to analyze awareness, knowledge and beliefs regarding antenatal exercises in second trimester of pregnant women. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 second trimester pregnant women at Castle Street hospital for women, Colombo. Sociodemographic data, antenatal exercise awareness, knowledge and beliefs were assessed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Among 250 participants, 82.4% were aware of the existence of antenatal exercises. Advanced knowledge levels in antenatal exercises were ‘poor’ (52.4%) compared to general knowledge (22.8%). General knowledge levels had a significant relationship with religion (p=0.007), income level (p=0.002) and parity (p=0.003). Advanced knowledge was significantly associated with age (p=0.034), educational level (p=0.003), parity (p=0.009) and income level (p=0.028). 40.8% of participants had ‘favorable’ beliefs regarding antenatal exercises. Factors significantly associated with beliefs were income level (p=0.000), religion (p=0.024) and parity (p=0.041). Majority of participants had a satisfactory awareness level and a good general knowledge level regarding antenatal exercises. Advanced knowledge regarding each type of antenatal exercises and engagement in antenatal exercises has not reached a satisfactory level. As educational level, number of pregnancies and age had a significant association with advanced knowledge in antenatal exercises, adequate knowledge may landfill erroneous beliefs.