Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
05:59
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
6.8K
UAE Women's Knowledge and Attitudes towards Physical Activity during Pregnancy
Sharifa AlBlooshi1, Rafiq Hijazi2, Lynne Kennedy3
1Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai P.O. Box 19282, United Arab Emirates.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|September 8, 2023
Summary
Physical activity during pregnancy is crucial for maternal and child health, yet Emirati women report low engagement and knowledge. Clear guidance on safe exercise is recommended to improve health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Physical activity during pregnancy offers significant health benefits for mothers and children, aiding in chronic disease prevention.
- Physical activity levels and related knowledge are notably low among women in the UAE, particularly during pregnancy.
- Understanding the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding exercise in pregnancy is vital for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of Emirati women concerning physical activity during pregnancy.
- To identify factors associated with varying levels of knowledge about exercise in pregnancy within the UAE population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional digital survey was administered to 1538 Emirati women aged 18-40.
- Non-randomized, purposeful snowball sampling was employed for participant recruitment.
- Data collected included self-reported physical activity levels, knowledge scores, attitudes towards exercise, and demographic information.
Main Results:
- A significant majority (75.5%) of participants reported very low physical activity levels.
- Overall knowledge regarding physical activity during pregnancy was below average (40.6 ± 20).
- Younger age, lower education, employment, and a history of chronic disease were linked to lower knowledge scores, while being married correlated with higher scores. Participants generally held positive attitudes toward physical activity in pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Emirati women exhibit low physical activity levels and knowledge regarding exercise during pregnancy, despite positive attitudes.
- Targeted educational interventions providing clear advice on safe physical activity are needed to promote healthier behaviors.
- Future research should explore effective strategies to enhance physical activity engagement among pregnant women in the UAE.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Ovarian Cycle
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
01:16Uterine Tubes
The uterine or fallopian tubes function as the conduit through which oocytes travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Each fallopian tube measures approximately 10 to 13 cm long and is anatomically divided into the infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus, and interstitial part (or intramural segment). The infundibulum is characterized by its funnel shape and features extensions called fimbriae which reach towards the peritoneal cavity. These fimbriae play a critical role during ovulation as they extend...
01:19The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
01:28Infertility in Females
Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...
01:19Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management
The nursing management of Mitral Valve Prolapse, or MVP, centers around patient education, symptom monitoring, and lifestyle modifications.Patient Education on MVP Diagnosis and Heredity: Nurses should provide comprehensive education about MVP, a condition where the mitral valve does not close appropriately during heartbeats. This education often includes the condition's pathophysiology, symptoms, and potential complications, like arrhythmias or mitral regurgitation. Though not fully...
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...