Adherence
Pregnant women face significant modifiable barriers to physical activity, primarily intrapersonal factors (time constraints, fatigue, lack of motivation) and interpersonal factors (lack of healthcare provider advice), which can be addressed through targeted education and counseling.
Pregnant women in resource-limited settings should be counseled by healthcare providers on the safety and benefits of physical activity, specifically highlighting that walking and household chores count as exercise. Addressing fatigue through light activity and providing clear guidelines can overcome common barriers like lack of time and motivation.
Overall, intrapersonal factors relating to tiredness and exhaustion, lack of time beliefs, work and household commitments, and lack of motivation were key modifiable barriers to PA by the women. The findings provide insights into possible interventional strategies to optimise PA during pregnancy among women in this setting. Appropriate knowledge, education and advice on the benefits, types, and intensity of PA in pregnancy are needed.
Why this rating
Qualitative study with small sample size (n=15) from a single geographic location; findings are context-specific and not generalizable quantitatively.
Source
Applying the Ecological Model to understand pregnant women's perspectives on the modifiable constraints to physical activity during pregnancy
Uchenna Benedine Okafor et al. · Medicine · 2020
DOI 10.1097/md.0000000000023431
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