Knowledge of the effects of regular pelvic floor exercises on maternal health among women in a comprehensive health centre in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

Regular pelvic floor exercise is essential for maternal health among women because it is a proven conservative treatment and prevention  for pelvic organ prolapse. This study aimed at investigating the knowledge of women on the effects of regular pelvic floor exercise on the  maternal health among women attending a primary health centre in Ado – Ekiti. It also assessed the women’s attitude towards and the  practice of pelvic floor exercises. The study was predicated on reasoned action theory, while a descriptive cross-sectional design was  adopted using total enumerative sampling technique. Data was collected from 248 respondents using researcher-administered  questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings from the study showed that the majority (72.20%)  of the respondents had a low level of awareness of pelvic floor exercises, 74.2% perceived pelvic floor exercises as very  necessary to maternal health, 75.4% showed a negative attitude to pelvic floor exercises, less than half (48.7) claimed to be practicing  pelvic floor exercises. No significant association was found between women’s attitude and the practice of pelvic floor exercises (P > 0.05).  More education should be given to women seeking primary health care on the benefits of pelvic floor exercises.