Knowledge, attitude and practice of Kegel exercise among pregnant women in Abha, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Kegel exercise or pelvic floor muscle exercise helps in improving strength of the pelvic floor muscles and build up their function. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of Kegel exercise among pregnant women in PHC setting in Abha city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 370 pregnant women. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed the practice of Kegel exercises and various characteristics of the participants. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and p-values were used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that educational level and income were significantly associated with the practice of Kegel exercises. Pregnant women with a higher level of education and an income of 5000 to 10000 SAR demonstrated a higher proportion of good practice. The presence of specific chronic diseases among participants, such as psychiatric disorders and diabetes mellitus, was significantly associated with poor practice. Physicians were identified as the primary source of information about Kegel exercises, followed by social media and family/friends. Conclusion: The findings suggest that education, income level, chronic diseases, and the source of information play significant roles in the practice of Kegel exercises among pregnant women. Healthcare providers should prioritize providing comprehensive education, irrespective of educational background, and ensure equal access to resources for all pregnant women. Tailored support should be provided to women with chronic diseases, and healthcare professionals should actively discuss Kegel exercises during antenatal visits. The study emphasizes the importance of multidimensional approaches to promote the practice of Kegel exercises during pregnancy and enhance pelvic floor health.