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UAE Women’s Knowledge and Attitudes towards Physical Activity during Pregnancy

Author

Listed:
  • Sharifa AlBlooshi

    (Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai P.O. Box 19282, United Arab Emirates)

  • Rafiq Hijazi

    (Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 144534, United Arab Emirates)

  • Lynne Kennedy

    (Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 144534, United Arab Emirates)

  • Ala Al Rajabi

    (Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 144534, United Arab Emirates
    Department of Human Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar)

Abstract

The benefits of being physically active during pregnancy are widely acknowledged. It is important for the prevention of chronic diseases and the promotion of good health for mothers and children. However, physical activity by women in the UAE is notoriously low and reduced further during pregnancy. The same can be said regarding research about the knowledge and understanding of the benefits and risks associated with exercise as a predictor of behavior. We aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes towards physical activity during pregnancy amongst Emirati women. A cross-sectional digital survey was designed to assess knowledge and attitudes and distributed to women, aged 18–40 years, using non-randomized, purposeful snowball sampling. A total of 1538 women were recruited. Most participants were aged 20–29 years (53.5%), were Emiratis (88.9%), and had no history of chronic disease (68.6%). The participants self-reported very low levels of PA (75.5%) and had a below-average level of knowledge overall (40.6 ± 20). Younger ages ( p < 0.001), lower educational levels ( p = 0.004), being employed ( p = 0.014), and having a history of chronic disease ( p = 0.016) were significantly associated with lower mean knowledge scores, while being married ( p = 0.003) was significantly associated with higher scores. The participants also exhibited a positive attitude towards physical activity during pregnancy by selecting answers that they supported it. To encourage physical activity, women living in the UAE could benefit from clear advice about safe physical activity during pregnancy.

Suggested Citation

  • Sharifa AlBlooshi & Rafiq Hijazi & Lynne Kennedy & Ala Al Rajabi, 2023. "UAE Women’s Knowledge and Attitudes towards Physical Activity during Pregnancy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(17), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:17:p:6669-:d:1227566
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alexis Pullia & Zakia Jeemi & Miguel Reina Ortiz & Jaya A. R. Dantas, 2022. "Physical Activity Experiences of South Asian Migrant Women in Western Australia: Implications for Intervention Development," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-15, March.
    2. Justyna Krzepota & Dorota Sadowska & Elżbieta Biernat, 2018. "Relationships between Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Pregnant Women in the Second and Third Trimester," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-12, December.
    3. Sonia Chaabane & Karima Chaabna & Sathyanarayanan Doraiswamy & Ravinder Mamtani & Sohaila Cheema, 2021. "Barriers and Facilitators Associated with Physical Activity in the Middle East and North Africa Region: A Systematic Overview," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-21, February.
    4. Marlize De Vivo & Hayley Mills, 2021. "Laying the Foundation for Pregnancy Physical Activity Profiling: A Framework for Providing Tailored Physical Activity Advice and Guidance to Pregnant Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-20, June.
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