Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Determinants of Prenatal Exercise Participation: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53713/htechj.v4i4.601Keywords:
antenatal care, family support, health behavior, prenatal exercise, sociodemographic factorsAbstract
Pregnancy exercise is a vital non-pharmacological intervention for preparing women physically and mentally for childbirth. Despite its proven clinical benefits, participation rates in prenatal exercise classes remain suboptimal in many community healthcare settings. This study aimed to analyze the sociodemographic and psychosocial factors associated with pregnant women's participation in pregnancy exercise classes at a private midwifery practice in Indonesia. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed. The study population comprised pregnant women in their second and third trimesters. Using a total sampling technique, 30 respondents were selected. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed maternal age, education level, occupation, and family support. Bivariate analysis was conducted using the Chi-Square test to determine statistically significant relationships. The findings revealed that only 40% of respondents regularly participated in the exercise classes. Bivariate analysis demonstrated significant relationships between class participation and maternal age (p=0.03), educational attainment (p=0.008), and employment status (p=0.037). Younger, highly educated, and non-working mothers exhibited substantially higher attendance rates. Conversely, older age, lower education, and occupational demands presented significant barriers to routine engagement. Maternal age, education, and occupation are critical determinants of prenatal exercise participation. Midwives and healthcare policymakers must leverage these insights to design targeted, inclusive health promotion strategies and flexible scheduling to overcome sociodemographic barriers and optimize maternal health outcomes.
References
Albarqi, M. N. (2024). The impact of prenatal care on the prevention of neonatal outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of global health interventions. Healthcare, 13(9), 1076. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13091076
Andani, N., & Keswara, N. W. (2026). The effectiveness of pregnancy exercises on back pain among third trimester pregnant women. Health and Technology Journal (HTechJ), 4(1), 95–101. https://doi.org/10.53713/htechj.v4i1.613
Baykemagn, F. T., Abreha, G. F., Zelelow, Y. B., Berhe, A. K., & Kahsay, A. B. (2024). Global burden of potentially life-threatening maternal conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 24(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-023-06199-9
Chen, L., Han, R. R., Chen, X., Fu, B. L., Nogueira, B. O. L., & Gao, L. L. (2024). Evaluation of the mediating role of physical activity self-efficacy in the relationship between knowledge, social support, and physical activity in pregnant women with a high risk for gestational diabetes. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 24(1), 857. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-024-07068-9
Filipec, M., & Đurin, M. J. (2025). Cardiovascular and respiratory adaptations during pregnancy and exercise in pregnancy. Physiologia, 5(3), 30. https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia5030030
Filipec, M., Bodrožić, M., & Almousa, S. (2025). Pregnant women’s experiences and perceptions of the impact of exercise on mental health during pregnancy: A qualitative study. Healthcare, 14(5), 678. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14050678
Islami, T., & Ismarwati. (2025). The effectiveness of pregnancy exercises for a smooth childbirth process. Majalah Obstetri & Ginekologi, 33(1), 74–82. https://doi.org/10.20473/mog.V33I12025.74-82
Khuzaiyah, S., Mumin, K. H. A., McKenna, L., & Hashim, S. H. (2023). Health-seeking behaviours of pregnant adolescents: A scoping review. British Journal of Midwifery, 31(7), 408–417. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2023.31.7.408
Lee, V. V., Vijayakumar, S., Ng, W. Y., Lau, N. Y., Leong, Q. Y., Ooi, D. S., Su, L. L., Lee, Y. S., Chan, S. Y., Blasiak, A., & Ho, D. (2023). Personalization and localization as key expectations of digital health intervention in women pre- to post-pregnancy. NPJ Digital Medicine, 6(1), 183. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-023-00924-6
Leja-Szpak, A., Jonkisz, K., Surówka, J., & Matuszyk, D. (2026). Knowledge and engagement in health-promoting behaviors among women planning pregnancy: A cross-sectional study. BMC Women's Health, 26(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-025-04162-8
Li, M., Wang, F. R., Xu, L. H., Wang, Y. J., & Li, Y. (2025). Exploring the relationship between perceived social support and pregnant women’s physical activity behavior: A chain-mediated effect test. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 25(1), 1305. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-08482-3
Madden, S. K., Blewitt, C., Hill, B., Meechan, D., & Skouteris, H. (2022). "It's just the nature of the work": Barriers and enablers to the health and well-being of preconception, pregnant and postpartum working women in a community service organisation. Health & Social Care in the Community, 30(6), e6475–e6486. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.14093
Makaruk, B., Grantham, W., Forczek-Karkosz, W., & Płaszewski, M. (2024). "It's more than just exercise": Psychosocial experiences of women in the Conscious 9 Months specifically designed prenatal exercise programme—A qualitative study. Healthcare, 13(7), 727. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13070727
Malmström, N., Lydell, M., & Carlsson, I. M. (2022). "Womanhood," a shared experience of participating in a lifestyle intervention with a focus on integration and physical activity to promote health among pregnant women: Perspectives from pregnant women, midwives, and cultural interpreter doulas. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2022.2043527
Marini, S., Messina, R., Masini, A., Scognamiglio, F., Caravita, I., Leccese, V., Soldà, G., Parma, D., Bertini, V., Scheier, L. M., & Dallolio, L. (2023). Application of the COM-B framework to understand facilitators and barriers for practising physical activity among pregnant women and midwives participating in the WELL-DONE! study. Behavioral Sciences, 13(2), 114. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13020114
Meldgaard, M., Gamborg, M., & Terkildsen Maindal, H. (2022). Health literacy levels among women in the prenatal period: A systematic review. Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare, 34, 100796. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.srhc.2022.100796
Miranda, J., Miller, S., Alfieri, N., Lalonde, A., Ivan-Ortiz, E., Hanson, C., Steinholt, M., Palshetkar, N., Suharjono, H., Gebhardt, S., Dossou, J. P., Pascali-Bonaro, D., Jacobsson, B., & Okong, P. (2024). Global health systems strengthening: FIGO's strategic view on reducing maternal and newborn mortality worldwide. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 165(3), 849–859. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.15553
Mrayan, L., Abujilban, S., AbuKaraki, A., & Nashwan, A. J. (2024). Evaluate the effectiveness of using non-pharmacological intervention during childbirth: An improvement project in Jordanian maternity hospitals. BMC Women's Health, 24(1), 605. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-024-03414-3
Ojakorotu, R., & Babayemi, A. (2025). The impacts of pregnancy and childbirth on the career trajectories and progression of women within the health sector in the United Kingdom. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16911722
Olea-Ramirez, L. M., Leon-Larios, F., & Corrales-Gutierrez, I. (2024). Intervention strategies to reduce maternal mortality in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals: A scoping review. Women, 4(4), 387–405. https://doi.org/10.3390/women4040030
Ribeiro, M., Andrade, A., & Nunes, I. (2022). Physical exercise in pregnancy: Benefits, risks and prescription. Journal of Perinatal Medicine, 50(1), 4–17. https://doi.org/10.1515/jpm-2021-0315
Sabriana, R., Jusni, Hartati, & Saleh, M. F. M. (2025). Effectiveness of antenatal class education in improving early detection of pregnancy danger signs. Jurnal Ilmiah Kesehatan Sandi Husada, 14(2), 462–470. https://doi.org/10.35816/jiksh.v14i2.292
Santos-Rocha, R., Wegrzyk, J., & Szumilewicz, A. (2022). Active pregnancy: A physical exercise program promoting fitness and health during pregnancy—Development and validation of a complex intervention. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(8), 4902. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084902
Sidabukke, I. R. R., Siahaan, J. M., Barus, E., & Silalahi, R. Y. A. (2024). The relationship between knowledge and pregnancy exercise activities towards the increase in normal delivery in Djoelham Regional Public Hospital in 2024. Proceedings OPTIMAL. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15952667
Suparji, S., Nugroho, H. S. W., Sunarto, S., & Prayogi, A. S. (2024). High maternal mortality rate in Indonesia: A challenge to be addressed immediately. PAMJ-One Health, 14, 13. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj-oh.2024.14.13.44464
Szumilewicz, A., & Santos-Rocha, R. (2022). Exercise selection and adaptations during pregnancy. In Exercise and physical activity during pregnancy and postpartum: Evidence-based guidelines (pp. 275–361). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-06137-0_9
Wahyuni, S., & Keswara, N. W. (2026). The effect of pregnancy exercises on sleep quality among pregnant women. Health and Technology Journal (HTechJ), 4(1), 38–43. https://doi.org/10.53713/htechj.v4i1.577
Yang, X., Li, H., Zhao, Q., Han, R., Xiang, Z., & Gao, L. (2022). Clinical practice guidelines that address physical activity and exercise during pregnancy: A systematic review. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 67(1), 53–68. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmwh.13286
