ABSTRACT
Background: Stressful puerperal period and its complications can be prevented by adequate care, proper diet and exercises. Though studies have indicated post-natal exercises (PNE) is helpful in reducing the effect of perineal muscle weakness, many women are unaware of its full benefits. This study is planned to know the knowledge, attitude and practice of PNE in post-natal mothers.Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in department of obstetrics and gynecology for 3 months (November 2019 to January 2020). 160 post-natal women were enrolled with convenient sampling. Structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and obstetric details, source of information, knowledge, attitude and practice of PNE.Results: A total 58.8% of this study participants revealed health care professions were the commonest source of information. More than half of them had adequate knowledge but still many were not aware of full benefits of PNE as only 3-5% aware of other benefits like prevention of urinary incontinence. 98.8% of the women’s felt PNE is essential and 62.5% felt household work hinder them doing. 92.5% said they will emphasize the importance of PNE to others. No significant correlation found between socio-demographic characters and knowledge, attitude and practice of PNE.Conclusions: Though most of the study population had adequate knowledge and positive attitude, household activities were the commonest barrier in doing PNE. Educating and creating awareness among family members is essential to improve the adherence. Continuing influence by health care workers during antenatal and postnatal period will be the key for improving adherence.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of postnatal urinary incontinence (PNUI), the risk factors associated with it and postnatal women’s (PN) level of engagement in practicing traditional Malay confinement care (TMCC) in Kelantan, Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 362 postnatal women aged between 18 – 45 years and who were between three to five months post-delivery. Participants were selected through convenience sampling at six Maternal and Child Health Clinics located in comparatively similar districts. Descriptive and inferential analyses including, factor analysis, Pearson chi-square, Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regressions analysis were used for data analysis. Overall, PNUI was reported by 80 women (22.1%). Vaginal delivery was associated with PNUI. All PN women within the study context practiced TMCC. The findings revealed that women who had PNUI were more likely to engage in a higher level of the ‘Body care’ component of TMCC. UI is prevalent among PN women in Kelantan, Malaysia. Further research into the impact of the ‘body care’ component of TMCC on PNUI is required.