Exploring Primigravid Women's Awareness, Perception, And Practice With Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises During Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67440/ahj.v21i5s.1371Keywords:
Pelvic floor muscle exercises, primigravid women, Perception, Pregnancy.Abstract
Background: Pelvic floor exercise are recommended during pregnancy to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, potentially reducing urinary incontinence and aiding labor. However, the perception and practice of these exercises among primi gravid women remain under explored.
Objective:. The primary aim was to determine the level of awareness, perception, and practice of kegel exercise among primi gravid women . The secondary aim was to find the association between awareness perception and practice with participants’ demographic characteristics.
Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 primigravid women attending antenatal clinics in at PMCH&RI, Chennai . Data were collected using a validated, self-administered questionnaire assessing socio demographic characteristics, Awareness , Perception and practice of Pelvic floor exercises. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis.
Statistical Analysis: Results were obtained as percentages. Chi-square test was used to check for the association between awareness and perception with variables such as age, educational qualification, occupation, family income, and parity
Results:. According to the study's findings, 80.9% of participants knew a lot about PFME. Most people (65.9%) do PFME at home (81.3%), with the pelvic floor exercise being the most commonly used (93.3%). Forgetfulness was revealed to be the main factor influencing the use of PFMEs (2.81 ± 0.85). Understanding, instruction
There was a significant correlation between attainment and PFME practice (p = 0.001 and p = 0.041, respectively).
Conclusion: Expectant mothers actively practise and are knowledgeable about PFME. However, forgetfulness has been found to be the main element influencing the habit. The use of PFMEs was positively impacted by knowledge and educational attainment. Therefore, it is recommended that the PFMEs program be integrated into weekly prenatal sessions and that pregnancy education be promoted.
