Knowledge, Attitudes, and Barriers Toward Exercise Among Women with Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mathew N; Nambiar VK; Jyothi GS

doi:10.61386/imj.v19i4.1366

Authors

Mathew N Associate Professor, Acharya’s NR Institute of Physiotherapy, Acharya Institutes, Bangalore - 560107, Karnataka, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6554-4322
Nambiar VK Ramaiah College of Physiotherapy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, M.S.Ramaiah Nagar, Bangalore-560054, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6811-9815
Jyothi GS Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ramaiah Medical College and Hospitals, M.S.Ramaiah Nagar, Bangalore-560054, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9947-9450

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v19i4.1366

Keywords:

Attitude to Health, pelvic girdle pain, Prenatal Care, Women’s Health

Abstract

Context: Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is a common musculoskeletal problem in pregnancy, often leading to functional disability, impaired mobility, and reduced quality of life. Despite the well-established role of exercise in alleviating symptoms, there is limited understanding of how pregnant women perceive exercise for PGP in low resource settings.

Objective: This study aimed to identify the knowledge, attitudes, and barriers related to exercise among pregnant women with PGP.

Materials And Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 84 pregnant women aged 20–35 years, between the 18th–27th weeks of gestation, recruited from antenatal clinics in hospital in North Bangalore using a convenience sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to assess demographic details, knowledge, perceptions, and barriers toward exercise from June 2024 to November 2024. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data, and inferential statistical tests were performed to determine associations between categorical variables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Of 84 pregnant women assessed (mean age 27.4 ± 3.1 years), only 4(4.8%) demonstrated awareness of pelvic girdle pain (PGP) as a distinct condition. Despite this knowledge gap, 95.2% expressed a favourable attitude toward physiotherapist-guided exercise. Fatigue, lack of time, limited guidance, and absence of healthcare-provider advice were key barriers.

Conclusion: Knowledge gaps regarding about awareness in PGP and the role of physiotherapy were identified, despite generally positive attitudes and willingness to exercise.