Healthcare Providers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards Exercise during Pregnancy: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Previously, physical activity was not recommended for pregnant women globally or locally due to little or no research on this subject and the fear of unknown risks to the mother and fetus. Yet, recent studies have showcased that exercise during pregnancy can provide many physical and mental health perks for both the pregnant mother and her fetus. Aim:  To assess healthcare provider’s Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices regarding exercise during pregnancy in hospitals. Method: A cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of (142) healthcare providers who work in four public hospitals in the southern region of Jordan. Descriptive analysis and inferential statistics were used to answer the research questions. Results: The results showed that few of the participants (39.4%) were familiar with the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecology guidelines for exercise during pregnancy, majority of participants were knowledgeable about the benefits of exercise during pregnancy. Healthcare providers attitudes were positive. Regarding the level of practice, the findings showed that approximately (50.7%) of participants provided advice about exercise. Also, demographic characteristics did not play any role in the attitudes of healthcare providers. Conclusion: Although the healthcare provider’s attitudes about exercise during pregnancy were positive, not all were aware of the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecology

Keywords

• attitudes
• exercise
• jordan
• healthcare providers
• knowledge
• practices
• pregnancy