The socioeconomic factors associated with participation of pregnant women in physical activities in Rubaga Division, Kampala District

Abstract

The study sought to examine the socioeconomic factors associated with participation of pregnant women in physical activities a case study of Kawaala Health Centre IV in Lubaga division Kampala District. The purpose of the study was to address the knowledge gap on how the socioeconomic factors influence the level of participation in Physical Activities among pregnant women and to provide insights for healthy policy recommendations in promoting the health of pregnant women through improved socioeconomic environment. Specifically, the study sought; to find out the level of involvement of pregnant women in Physical Activities, the socioeconomic factors experienced by pregnant women and how they affect their participation level in Physical Activities, and the strategies for improving the level of pregnant women’s involvement in Physical Activities in Lubaga division Kampala district. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used where random sampling was used to select the study participants from the study population of pregnant mothers at Kawaala H/C IV as a case study area. The study unit was pregnant mothers between second and third trimesters where the inclusion criteria was that all pregnant mothers in second and third trimesters of gestation would be included. Whereas the exclusion criterion was that a pregnant mother in the first trimester would be excluded from the study. Data analysis was descriptive in nature involving the use of frequency tables and percentages. The study revealed that a big number of women still do not involve in Physical Activities mainly because of limited information on the importance of exercising during pregnancy and due to limited social and financial support. On the second objective, it was revealed that pregnant women who live with supportive spouses or family members are more likely to participate in Physical Activity than their counterparts. In addition, women with higher income and education level are highly motivated to involve into Physical Activity than those with low education and low income as indicated by respondents in the study. On the third objective, strategies like sensitization and training of pregnant women on physical activity by health workers, government and other stakeholders, establishing of free gazetted places for Physical Activities for pregnant women and encouragement of husbands to support their wives while exercising were recommended during the study. Socioeconomic factors like level of education, employment status, supportive spouses and income levels influence the level of involvement in Physical Activities among pregnant women whereby women with supportive spouses, higher income and education levels are more likely to participate in Physical Activities beyond home chores than their counterparts who mainly exercise through engaging in home chores.