Published Paper Details:

Background: Good nutrition and regular exercise are important parts of a healthy lifestyle. Research evidence indicates that appropriate diet and exercise during pregnancy lead to reduced maternal and foetal mortality and improve the postnatal life of mother and child. Aim of study: Present study was conducted to explore the awareness of proper diet and exercise among pregnant women in rural areas of Karad, Maharastra India,and its association with socio-demographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted on 80 pregnant women who were registered in Karad. The validated self-structured diet and exercise awareness questionnaire were used to assess the awareness of pregnant women. Socio-demographic data was collected and co-related with diet and exercise awareness. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: Among 80 study participants, eight were excluded from the study because of not meeting inclusion criteria. The majority of them (62.5%) were in the age group of 18-25 years. Only 13.9% of rural women were graduated. Most of the pregnant women were from the lower middle class (31.9%), and middle class (27.7%). Most of the women 48.6% and 44.4% were belonged to SC/ ST and OBC category respectively. The study reveals that 53.47% and 33% of pregnant women were found to be aware of proper diet and exercise respectively. Socio-demographic variables such as category, education, occupation, and socioeconomic status of pregnant women were found to be significantly associated with diet and exercise awareness. Women belonging to upper socio-economic group, general category, graduated, and working women were found to be most aware of proper diet and exercise requirement among all pregnant women.Awareness was not related to age, religion and type of family of pregnant women. Conclusions: The level of awareness regarding diet and exercise among pregnant women was not found satisfactory. They do not have proper knowledge and awareness about the various parameters. Improving awareness of diet and exercise among pregnant women will enable them to improve their quality of life during pregnancy, chances of a healthy delivery and postnatal life of mother and child.