| dc.description.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. | en_US |
