Socio-Economic and Cultural Determinants of Prenatal and Postnatal Exercise among Pregnant Women and New Mothers in Obio-Cottage Hospital, Rivers State

Abstract

Background: Regular prenatal and postnatal exercise is recommended by global health guidelines for its benefits in reducing gestational complications, improving maternal mental health, facilitating labor, and supporting postpartum recovery. However, participation remains low in many low- and middle-income settings, including Nigeria, due to socio-economic constraints, cultural norms, and environmental barriers. This study investigated the socio-economic and cultural determinants of prenatal and postnatal exercise among pregnant women and new mothers attending Obio Cottage Hospital, Rumuobiakani, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed. In the quantitative phase, a structured questionnaire with socio-demographic items and a 4-point Likert scale on influencing factors was administered to 151 participants (83.9% retrieval rate from 180 distributed). Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 20 purposively selected participants, analyzed thematically.

Results: The sample was predominantly aged 30–34 years (34.4%), married (57.0%), tertiary-educated (50.3%), employed (45.9%), and residing in urban/semi-urban areas (91.4%). Key socio-economic factors accepted as influential included financial constraints (mean = 2.5), limited access to safe facilities (mean = 2.7), equipment affordability (mean = 2.8), work schedules (mean = 2.7), and family/friend support (mean = 2.6). Cultural factors accepted included community beliefs discouraging exercise (mean = 2.5), lack of female-only spaces (mean = 2.5), and self-consciousness from societal perceptions (mean = 2.7). The belief that exercise harms the baby/mother was rejected (mean = 2.2). Adequate healthcare provider information was positively rated (mean = 2.8). Qualitative themes highlighted intrapersonal barriers (fatigue, time scarcity), environmental limitations (unsafe spaces), cultural norms favoring rest, and facilitators like perceived benefits and support.

Conclusion: Socio-economic (financial, access, occupational) and cultural (beliefs, modesty norms) barriers significantly hinder prenatal and postnatal exercise in this setting, consistent with patterns in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Positive aspects, including awareness of safety and provider support, offer entry points for intervention. Targeted strategies—such as affordable community programs, female-safe spaces, myth-dispelling education, and routine exercise counseling—are recommended to promote uptake and enhance maternal health outcomes.