Levels of Pregnancy physical activity amongst Pregnant Women with Musculoskeletal Disorders attending Antenatal Clinics at selected Referral Hospitals in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Pregnancy presents itself with a myriad of both physical and physiological changes. Some of these changes may affect the levels of pregnant women activities should they be accompanied by musculoskeletal disorders hence impacting on their life styles. The aim of the study was to determine the levels of pregnancy physical activity (PPA) amongst pregnant Women with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) attending antenatal clinics at selected referral hospitals in Nairobi, Kenya. A cross-sectional descriptive study utilizing quantitative methods. A total of 287 participant were drawn from women attending antenatal clinics (ANC) in selected referral facilities Nairobi, Kenya. Standardized Nordic musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and Pregnancy Physical activity Questionnaire (PPAQ). A multi-stage purposeful sampling method was used to recruit Women after approval and permission were sought from various relevant authorities. Quantitative data related to MSDs and Pregnancy Physical activities were obtained using the two standard questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Inferential statistics were also analyzed using a chi-squared test (X2) based on alpha level of p < 0.05. MSDs prevalence of 78.5 % (n=225) was recorded. Regarding levels of pregnancy physical activity (PPA) of the Women 51.1% (n=115) led inactive lifestyle, while 48.89% (n=110) were active. Inactivity progressed as the gestation period advanced that is; from 4.9% (n=11) amongst Women in 1-12 weeks gestation to 9.3% (n=21) amongst those in the 12-24 weeks gestation and 36.9% (n=83) amongst those in 24-36 weeks respectively. Inactive lifestyle also increased with multiplicity of MSDs whereby; the trend moved from 11.1% (n=25) for Women with one MSD up to; - 16.9% (n= 38) and 23.1% (n=52) for Women with 2 MSDs and more than 2 MSDs respectively. There was a statistically association between gestation period (P <0.001), parity (P<0.025), Highest level of school attended (p<0.011) and employment status (P<0.001) with the level of pregnancy physical activity. The prevalence of the MSDs amongst Women was high. one-in-two women do not attain acceptable levels of PPA. The representation of the inactive Women increased with the advancement of gestation period. Parity, level of education and employment status influenced the levels pregnant physical activities amongst the individuals.