Effects of exercise self-efficacy and perceived social support on physical activity during pregnancy

ObjectiveTo understand the status of physical activity during pregnancy, explore the effects of exercise self-efficacy and perceived social support on physical activity during pregnancy, so as to provide reference for clinical development of targeted and personalized intervention measures for physical activity during pregnancy.

MethodsA total of 496 pregnant women from two hospitals in Bengbu were selected by convenience sampling. The general data questionnaire, pregnancy physical activity questionnaire, pregnancy exercise self-efficacy scale and perceived social support scale were used to investigate.

ResultsOnly 25.2% (125/496) of pregnant women reached the recommended standard of physical activity during pregnancy. There was a positive correlation between exercise self-efficacy and physical activity level of pregnant women (r=0.217, P<0.01). There was a positive correlation between perceived social support and exercise self-efficacy (r=0.294, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the relationship between perceived social support and physical activity level (r=0.065, P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, education level and exercise self-efficacy were the influencing factors of physical activity during pregnancy (P<0.05). The older the age, the lower the target rate, and the higher the education level and self-efficacy, the higher the target rate.

ConclusionsThe level of physical activity during pregnancy is insufficient. Health care providers should formulate and implement specific and personalized physical activity guidance during pregnancy, so as to enhance pregnant women's exercise self-efficacy and improve their physical activity level.