scholarly journals Physical Activity Level during Pregnancy in South Africa: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 7928
Author(s):  
Uchenna Benedine Okafor ◽  
Daniel Ter Goon
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Household Activities

Physical activity participation during pregnancy confers many maternal and foetal health benefits to the woman and her infant and is recommended by various health bodies and institutions. However, in South Africa, scant information exists about the physical activity status and its determinants among pregnant women. The aim of this study was to assess the physical activity level and associated factors among pregnant women. This cross-sectional study enrolled 1082 pregnant women attending public health facilities in Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Information on socio-demographic and maternal characteristics were obtained, and the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity during pregnancy. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between physical activity and the predictor variables during pregnancy. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were applied to estimate factors associated with physical activity levels. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Only 278 of the women (25.7%) met recommendations for prenatal activity (≥150 min moderate intensity exercise per week). The average time spent in moderate–vigorous physical activity was 151.6 min (95% CI: 147.2–156.0). Most of the women participated in light exercises with a mean of 65.9% (95% CI: 64.8–67.0), and 47.6% (95% CI: 46.3–48.9) participated in household activities. The majority of the women did not receive physical activity advice during prenatal care sessions (64.7%). Factors negatively associated with prenatal physical activity were lower age (<19 years) (adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 0.3; CI: 0.16–0.76), semi-urban residence (AOR = 0.8; CI: 0.55–1.03), lower educational level (AOR = 0.5; CI: 0.20–0.71), unemployment (AOR = 0.5; CI: 0.29–0.77) and nulliparity (AOR = 0.6; CI: 0.28–1.31). However, prenatal physical activity was positively associated with starting physical activity in the first trimester (AOR = 1.9; CI: 1.06–3.31) compared to other trimesters. The findings of this study demonstrated low levels of physical activity during pregnancy in South Africa. The majority of women did not meet the recommendation of 150 min of moderate intensity activity per week. Light intensity and household activities were the most preferred form of activity. The factors affecting physical activity of women in this present study include lower age, semi-urban setting, low educational level, unemployment and nulliparity. In order to increase activity levels, future work should seek to improve knowledge, access and support for physical activity in pregnant women in South Africa. This should include education and advocacy regarding physical activity for professionals involved in maternal health provision.

scholarly journals Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy in Greece: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-92
Author(s):  
Ermioni Tsarna ◽  
Ioanna Mavrommati ◽  
Grigorios Bogdanis ◽  
Olga Triantafillidou ◽  
George Paltoglou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Maternity Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Research Midwife ◽  
Physical Activity And Exercise ◽  
Exercise During Pregnancy

Introduction: Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy is regarded safe and beneficial in absence of pregnancy complications. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to describe physical activity of pregnant women in Greece and explore if it changes during pregnancy compared to the period before pregnancy. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in a private maternity hospital. Women were asked to fill in an adapted questionnaire based on Pregnant Physical Activity Questionnaire; birth outcomes and anthropometric measurements of the neonate were collected by the research midwife. Results: In our study population of 193 pregnant women, approximately half reported no or minimal physical activity during pregnancy and were less active than current guidelines’ recommendations. Gynaecologist’s opinion regarding exercise during pregnancy was conceived as positive only by a minority of women. Overall, women were less active during pregnancy than before, although they spent more time slowly walking for fun or exercise. Lastly, significant decrease was observed in all occupational activities involving slow or quick walking and lifting weights. Conclusions: These results indicate that systematic counselling of pregnant women regarding physical activity and exercise during pregnancy will be needed to achieve optimal physical activity levels for the majority of women in Greece.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study on assessment of physical activity level and anthropometric indicators of health risk among students of sixth year of Faculty of Medicine of Sarajevo University

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 093-101
Author(s):  
Amra Catovic ◽  
Amina Halilovic
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Who Criteria ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference

Overweight and obesity are major public health issues worldwide. There is increased risk of obesity‐related morbidity due to accumulation of abdominal fat. Regulation of body weight depends on physical activity and diet. Young adulthood is very critical period due to a tendency to gain weight and adopt poor dietary and exercise habits. This study aimed to investigate the relationships of the anthropometrical parameters with physical activity domains in everyday life and sedentary behavior among students of sixth year of the Faculty of Medicine of Sarajevo University. A cross-sectional study was conducted during May 2020. The survey covered 56 students, aged 24, who responded online to questionnaire. A self-administered questionnaire composed of two blocks of questions. In the first block of the questionnaire, questions were related to sex, and anthropometric measures. The second block referred to the practice of physical activity (vigorous, moderate, and walking), and sitting during seven days. The data collected were processed by the descriptive statistical procedure. Overweight and obesity was found at 11(19.65%). In sample 46.43% performed vigorous intensity activities that meet with WHO criteria, 58.93 performed moderate intensity activities that meet with WHO criteria, and 39.29% performed walking activities that meet with WHO criteria. There were positive, statistically significant difference between indicators of abdominal obesity and the average time spent during 7 days in vigorous physical activity. Health and physical educators can utilize these findings to better understand that physical activity, trying to balance diet and activities.

scholarly journals Physical Activity Level of Urban Pregnant Women in Tianjin, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. e109624 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Shengwen Dong ◽  
Jianhua Zuo ◽  
Xiangqin Hu ◽  
Hua Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

scholarly journals Physical Activity Patterns of Women with a Twin Pregnancy—A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 7724
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Kwiatkowska ◽  
Katarzyna Kosińska-Kaczyńska ◽  
Izabela Walasik ◽  
Agnieszka Osińska ◽  
Iwona Szymusik
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Twin Pregnancy ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Multiple Pregnancy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active

Background: No specific physical activity guidelines are available for women in multiple pregnancy. Aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and experience of women regarding physical activity during their latest twin pregnancy. Methods: A cross-sectional study including women after a twin delivery was conducted in Poland. A questionnaire was distributed in 2018 via web pages and Facebook groups designed for pregnant women. Results: 652 women filled out the questionnaire completely. Only 25% of women performed any physical exercises during twin gestation. The frequency of preterm delivery was similar in physically active and non-active participants. 35% of the respondents claimed to have gained information on proper activity from obstetricians during antenatal counselling while 11% claimed to be unable to identify the reliable sources of information. 7% of women admitted to feel discriminated by social opinion on exercising during a twin pregnancy. Conclusions: The population of women with a twin gestation is not sufficiently physically active and is often discouraged from performing exercises during gestation. Therefore, it is crucial to inform obstetricians to recommend active lifestyle during a twin gestation and to provide reliable information on physical activity to pregnant women. Further research on this topic is necessary in order for obstetric providers to counsel women on appropriate exercise with a twin pregnancy.

scholarly journals Perceived anxiety and physical activity behaviour changes during the early stages of COVID-19 restrictions in community-dwelling adults in Canada: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e050550
Author(s):  
Gavin R McCormack ◽  
Patricia K Doyle-Baker ◽  
Jennie A Petersen ◽  
Dalia Ghoneim
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
High Anxiety ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic changed daily routines, including physical activity, which could influence physical and mental health. In our study, we describe physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns in relation to the pandemic and estimate associations between anxiety and physical activity and sedentary behaviour in community-dwelling adults.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingCalgary, Alberta, Canada.ParticipantsBetween April and June 2020, a random sample of 1124 adults (≥18 years) completed an online questionnaire.Primary and secondary outcomesThe online questionnaire captured current walking, moderate intensity, vigorous intensity and total physical activity and sedentary behaviour (ie, sitting and leisure-based screen time), perceived relative changes in physical activity, sedentary and social behaviours since the pandemic, perceived seriousness and anxiety related to COVID-19, and sociodemographic characteristics. Differences in sociodemographic characteristics, perceived relative change in behaviour and current physical activity and sedentary behaviour were compared between adults with low and high anxiety.ResultsOur sample (n=1047) included more females (60.3%) and fewer older adults (19.2%). Most participants (88.4%) considered COVID-19 as extremely or very serious and one-third (32.9%) felt extremely or very anxious. We found no differences (p>0.05) in current physical activity or sedentary behaviour by anxiety level. The largest perceived change in behaviours included social distancing, driving motor vehicles, use of screen-based devices, watching television and interactions with neighbours. We found anxiety-related differences (p<0.05) in perceived changes in various behaviours.ConclusionsChanges in physical activity, sedentary behaviour and social behaviour occurred soon after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, and some of these changes differed among those with low and high anxiety.

scholarly journals Disordered Eating Attitudes and Exercise Behavior among Female Emirati College Students in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross- Sectional Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haleama Al Sabbah ◽  
Shatha Muhsineh
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
College Students ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Disordered Eating Attitudes

Background: Growing evidence is showing high levels of physical inactivity and disordered eating attitudes among young females in the United Arab Emirates. This is clearly concerning, but little is known about the activity level of those with disordered eating attitudes and their dieting behavior. This study examines the female Emirati college students’ disordered eating attitudes and its relation to exercise behavior.Method: A cross- sectional study using a validated and reliable questionnaire was conducted on 242 Emirati female students attending a public university in Dubai. Eating Attitudes Test- 26 (EAT26) was used to measure eating attitudes and the short International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was included to measure physical activity level. A systematic random sampling from a list of classes in the fall 2014 semester was used for recruitment. The university’s Research Ethics Committee approved the study and consents were obtained from participants. SPSS v.21 was used for data analysis. Chi-square test was used to compare frequencies. Significance level was set at 0.05.Results: The participants’ mean age and standard deviation (Mean± SD) was 19 ±1.3 years. 31.4% of the participants showed disordered eating attitudes. The percentage of participants engaged in at least one concerning behavior in the past six months was 43.8%. A membership in a health club was significantly related to disordered eating attitudes (p <0.01). A high level of physical activity was correlated with laxative use, over the counter supplements, and exercising for more than 60 minutes to control weight (p<0.05). Conclusion: There is a great need for intervention programs and policies to contain the level of abnormal eating attitudes and promote healthy level of physical activity among college students.

scholarly journals Barriers to Physical Activity Among Pregnant Women During Pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Fatima Aslam ◽  
Karimah Hanim Abd Aziz ◽  
Nurjasmine Aida Jamani ◽  
Razman Mohd Rus
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Epigastric Discomfort ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
The Mean

Introduction: Co-morbidities such as obesity, gestational diabetes and pregnancy induced hypertension during pregnancy can be dangerous to the mother and foetus. Regular physical activity during pregnancy not only maintains maternal and foetal wellbeing, but it also maintains physical fitness and brings various health benefits. However, many women reduce their physical activity levels during pregnancy.Objectives: Thus, this study aimed to identify the barriers that could prevent pregnant mothers from doing physical activities.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 168 pregnant women aged 18 to 35 years between gestational age 12 to 35 weeks in a primary health clinic in Kuantan, Pahang. Their socio-demographic characteristics were recorded, and barriers for physical activity assessed through a set of pre-tested questionnaire.Descriptive statisticswere used to describe the sociodemographiccharacteristics and the barriers.Results: The mean (SD) age was 28.0 (3.6) and majority of them were of Malay ethnicity from B40 group. Two thirds (74.4%) had tertiary education and 66.7% were working mothers. More than half (53.0%) of the participants wereoverweight and obese.Moreover, 58% of the participants had leg cramp and 63.1% felt fatigue. Almost 80.4% had backache and 46.4% had epigastric discomfort.Conclusion: Barriers such as leg cramp, backache, fatigue and epigastric discomfort could prevent pregnant women from conducting physical activities. Opportunistic recommendation by physician and concerns on the physical activity should be addressed.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Supplementary Issue: 2021 Page: S23

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