Postpartum Exercise Practiced Among Mothers In Selected Hospitals In Port Harcourt Metropolis, In Rivers State

Abstract

Background: Maternal involvement in postpartum exercise has been adjudged to be beneficial to the health of mothers, as lack of postpartum exercise predisposes mothers to various health challenges. Aim: Therefore, this study attempted to determine maternal involvement in postpartum exercise among mothers receiving post-natal health care service in selected hospitals in Rivers State. Methodology: The study adopted the cross-sectional descriptive research design and was conducted in postnatal clinics in Rivers State Teaching Hospital (RSTH) in Port Harcourt city LGA and Obio Cottage Hospital in Obio Akpor Local Government Area. A self-structured questionnaire was used for data collection and analysis was via descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22 with results presented in tables. Results: Major findings include: majority of respondents aged 26-30 years, who had tertiary education, had given birth twice, married and resident at the city centre; many respondents claimed that they know what exercise after birth is, however their involvement in PPE was variable; their indication of benefits of postpartum exercise was also variable, nevertheless, all respondents noted that postpartum exercise help to control weight gain and makes the heart and body healthier.  Some factors identified to facilitate/preventing mothers’ involvement in postpartum exercise included: health status, not being aware of exercise after delivery. Conclusion: Registered midwives should initiate, develop and implement a sustainable educational program on postpartum exercise in postnatal units. Practicing midwives should incorporate postpartum exercise teaching in antenatal clinics, during health education sessions.