A Study Of Greek Womens Knowledge Of Appropriate Physical Activity Matters During Pregnancy And Their Attitude Towards Exercising During Pregnancy

Introduction
The value and the importance of appropriate exercise under pregnancy conditions is a common conclusion of
contemporary research [1]. The aim of this research was to record and evaluate Greek women’s knowledge on exercise
practices during pregnancy. It constitutes a first attempt to investigate Greek women’s knowledge of appropriate
patterns of exercise, during pregnancy, as well as their attitudes towards exercise.

Methods
The study was conducted in two large urban centers of Greece, namely Athens and Thessaloniki. The sample consisted
of 156 non-pregnant women, aged 20-40, with or without an experience of pregnancy in the past. A closed
questionnaire was used along with short interviews for data collection [2]. The primary aim of this questionnaire was
to assess a) Greek women’s attitude towards matters concerning exercise during pregnancy and b) knowledge of
exercise patterns. In order to determine the associations between the independed variables (age, education,
employment, pregnancy experience, exercise experience) and the depended variables (knowledge of appropriate
exercise during pregnancy, reported behaviour), chi-square tests and correlations were performed.

Results
The results showed considerable intention of participating in athletic activities during the period of a potential
pregnancy on the part of both the women who already had the experience of a pregnancy and those who did not. There
were no noticeable differences between these two categories regarding their intensions. However, their positive
attitude was rather inhibited by factors such as deficiencies in technological infrastructure and limited trust in potential
instructors, than beliefs of inappropriate exercise conditions during pregnancy [3]. Pregnancy experience did not
influence the level of knowledge while age did, with older women being better informed [4].
The reports of women with much exercise-experience were quite daring in exercise alternatives, in contrast to those who
had a pregnancy experience [1].

Discussion:

Greek women displayed a lack of knowledge regarding exercise during pregnancy [5]. Educational and
interventional nutrition programs focusing on young women are necessary [6, 7]. Seminars related to pregnancy and
exercise, concerning teachers of physical education, should be promoted [7, 8]. Further research is needed in the area of
appropriate exercise during pregnancy for younger women.

Conclusion:

Arousing and enhancing awareness of pregnancy matters from an early age (adolescence) is strongly
suggested, since Greek women’s knowledge in the field has been found rather limited. Similar research confirms the need

References
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[2]. Kerner, M.S. & Grossman, A.H. (1998). Scale construction for measuring attitude, beliefs, perception of control,
and intention to exercise. Division of Sports Sciences, School of Health Professions, Long Island University, Brooklyn.
[3]. Munoz Cobos F, Ortega Fraile I, Pelaez Galvez E, Moreno Pena P. (1997). Aten Primaria, 15;20(8):440-3.
[4]. Ponds RWHM, Jolles J. Psychology & Aging 1996;Vol.11(2):324-332.
[5]. Ostrove JM, Adler NE, Kuppermann KM, Wasshington AE. (2000). Health Psychology, 19(6):613-618.
[6]. Evans A. (2001). Fam Plann Perspect, 33(5):224-30.
[7]. Rautava P, Sillanpaa M. (1991). The Finnish Family Competence Study. Hygie, 10(4):12-7.
[8]. Chan, A., Pickering, J., Haan, E., Netting, M., Burford, A., Johnson, A., Keane, R.J.(2001). Med J Aust,
18;174(12), 631-6.

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