Publication: Knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers of antenatal exercise among pregnant women at Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia
Date
2026-08
Authors
Amirrulaizan, Nureen Nisa
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Antenatal exercise plays an important role in promoting maternal health, yet participation among pregnant women remains inconsistent. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers related to antenatal exercise among pregnant women at HPUSM. A total of 141 respondents were recruited using a systematic random sampling method. The findings revealed that 56.7% of pregnant women had adequate knowledge of antenatal exercise, while 43.3% demonstrated inadequate knowledge. A majority of respondents (61.7%) expressed positive attitudes, whereas 38.3% reported negative attitudes. In terms of practice, 52.5% demonstrated adequate practice of antenatal exercise, while 47.5% reported inadequate practice. The common barriers included discouragement from family (61.0%) and lack of information (59.6%). Statistical analysis demonstrated significant associations between knowledge and practice, with pregnant women who had adequate knowledge being more likely to engage in antenatal exercise. As well as significant associations between body mass index (BMI) and practice, with pregnant women of normal BMI more likely to exercise. Overall, the study highlights that although more than half of the respondents possessed adequate knowledge and positive attitudes, actual practice remains inconsistent and barriers persist. These findings underscore the crucial role of nurses and healthcare professionals in providing effective health education, counselling, and motivational support, including involving family members in antenatal education to encourage safe and consistent antenatal exercise.
Description
Keywords
-