CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Background of the Study
The well-being of women, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth, is a vital component of family and societal health. Pregnancy and the postpartum period can significantly impact women's physical activity and overall well-being. Some studies have shown that women's physical performance, health, and well-being may decrease after childbirth, negatively affecting their quality of life. This suggests that the transition to motherhood is not just a physical event but also a complex psychological and emotional process.
A stable emotional and physical environment during pregnancy is essential for the natural development of personality and the psychological well-being of family members. Pregnancy marks a major transition in a woman's life cycle, introducing new roles as a mother and caregiver. It's a time of mixed emotions, the fulfillment of desires, and the emergence of conflicts and anxieties. Women often face changes in their lifestyle, alterations in family dynamics, and potential physical discomforts during pregnancy.
Physical activity plays a crucial role in helping women cope with these issues during pregnancy. It is beneficial for maintaining musculoskeletal fitness, controlling weight, managing blood glucose levels, coping with physical and psychological stresses, strengthening muscles for labor, and improving blood circulation. Prenatal exercises, such as Kegel exercises, breathing techniques, and relaxation techniques, can prepare women for labor and help them manage emotional stress and labor pain. Exercise during pregnancy also has potential benefits for the fetus, such as reducing adipose tissue growth, increasing stress tolerance, and promoting neurobehavioral relaxation.
Assessing the quality of life of pregnant women is essential, as it can provide valuable evidence to enhance healthcare services, especially in specific regions like Eket in Akwa Ibom State. Physical exercise during the antenatal period has been shown to reduce pregnancy complications, shorten labor duration, and promote faster post-delivery recovery. Physiotherapy interventions can significantly contribute to maternal healthcare effectiveness.
One challenge observed by the researcher is the lack of awareness among pregnant women attending antenatal care regarding the practice of exercises during pregnancy. This lack of awareness may result in many pregnant women missing out on the benefits of physiotherapy interventions that could improve their quality of life and alleviate their suffering. Therefore, the study aims to investigate the extent of awareness and practice of exercise-related interventions for pregnant mothers in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
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1.2 Statement of the Problem
The importance of exercise programs during pregnancy and after childbirth cannot be overstated. Such programs are specifically designed to minimize impairment and help women regain their strength after pregnancy and childbirth. In many cases, mothers in the local environment may experience issues such as waist and joint pains after giving birth. Additionally, some mothers may suffer from serious complications resulting from the strenuous labor during delivery.
The researcher's personal interactions with mothers in the area have indicated that many of these injuries and joint dislocations may be linked to the physical stresses of labor and delivery. This raises questions about whether the contradictions and unnecessary health issues experienced by these mothers are connected to the lack of exercise during pregnancy.
To address these concerns and find suitable solutions, the present study aims to investigate the awareness and practice of exercise among pregnant mothers in Eket Local Government Area. By understanding the current awareness and exercise habits of pregnant women in the area, the research can provide valuable insights into potential interventions that may improve the well-being and health outcomes of mothers during and after pregnancy.
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1.3 Purpose of the Study
The general purpose of the study is to determine the level of awareness of practice of exercise among pregnant mothers in Eket local government area. Specifically, the study sought to:
- Determine the level of education on practice of exercise among pregnant mothers in Eket Local Government Area.
- Determine the level of involvement in practice of exercise among pregnant mothers in Eket Local Government Area.
- Assess attitude of mothers toward practice of exercise during pregnancy in Eket Local Government Area.
- Identify the types of exercises for mothers during pregnancy in Eket Local Government Area.
1.4 Research Questions
Three research questions were raised to direct the study.
- What is the level of education on practice of exercise among pregnant mothers in Eket Local Government Area?
- What is the level of involvement in practicing exercise among pregnant mothers in Eket Local Government Area?
- What is the attitude of mothers towards practice of exercise during pregnancy in Eket Local Government Area?
- What are the types of exercises for mothers during pregnancy in Eket Local Government Area?
1.5 Significance of the Study
The results of the study will be of immense importance to pregnant mothers, health personnels, government and researchers I the following ways:
- The result of this finding will encourage pregnant mothers on the need for antenatal exercise as it will help them overcome pregnancy related complications and maintaining good physical fitness.
- The findings will assist health personnels to ensure that educating the pregnant mothers on the practice of exercise is the important approach to tackle pregnancy related issues.
- It will also enlighten the health personnel on the need or monitoring the pregnant mothers in their daily engagement in practice exercises.
- It will assist government to see the need for adequate provision of relevant resources for practice exercise in the hospitals.
- Provide useful information for future researchers who may carry out studies on the related issues.
1.6 Delimitation of the Study
The study was conducted to investigate into awareness and practice of exercise among pregnant mothers in Eket Local Government Area. The study covered only the pregnant mothers in some selected hospitals in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
1.7 Limitation of the Study
The major challenge for the study was the inability of some pregnant mothers to interpret, read and understand the content of the questionnaire, therefore, it required more time interval for the researcher to attend to too many respondents for the study.
