Physical Exercises and Health of Pregnant Women in Communities in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate physical exercises and health of pregnant women in communities in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve this purpose, two null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. A detailed review of related literature was carried out based on the variables of the study. Survey research design was employed for the study. Stratified random sampling technique was adopted in selecting the eight communities while systematic random sampling technique was adopted in selecting the two hundred and three (203) respondents used for the study. Eighteen items four point scale questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The instrument was validated by relevant authorities. To test the hypotheses formulated for the study, Pearson product moment correlation statistical tool was used for data analysis. The result obtained from analysis of data and testing of hypotheses in the study revealed that there was a significant relationship between walking and health of pregnant women in the study area. The finding further revealed that riding stationary bicycle does not significant relate with health of pregnant women in the study area. Based on these findings it was recommended among others that relevant authorities should ensure that more women are sensitized on the need to participate actively in walking activities in order to improve their health during pregnancy.