Factors influencing physical inactivity status among Chinese pregnant women: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Regular prenatal physical activity can bring about health benefits to both mother and fetus and can reduce the risk of various complications of pregnancy. However, little is known about whether pregnant women in China are meeting the current guidelines for prenatal physical activity. The aims of the study were to assess physical inactivity status and associated factors among pregnant women in Shanghai, China.Methods: A cross-sectional study of 1636 pregnant women were registered and received routine prenatal care at a tertiary obstetrics and gynecology hospital in Shanghai, China between May 2021 and March 2022. Maternal sociodemographic characteristics and health information were obtained using structured questionnaires or from the medical records. Maternal physical inactivity status was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and subjected to descriptive analysis. Factors pertinent to physical inactivity were identified by binary logistic regression and are reported with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Physical inactivity was defined as a total energy expenditure of <600 metabolic equivalent (MET) min/week.Results: In total, the prevalence of physical inactivity was 47.5%. Multivariate logistic regression identified a significant negative association of physical inactivity with personal monthly income (adjusted OR 0.648, 95% CI 0.505–0.831), engagement in regular exercise before pregnancy (adjusted OR 0.575, 95% CI 0.464–0.711) and in the second (adjusted OR 0.534, 95% CI 0.411–0.693) and third (adjusted OR 0.615, 95% CI 0.470–0.806) trimester of pregnancy. Women with nausea or vomiting during pregnancy were more likely to be physically inactive during pregnancy (adjusted OR 1.307, 95% CI 1.002–1.705). Conclusion: Physical inactivity is highly prevalent among pregnant women in China, particularly those with a low income, those who do not engage in regular exercise before pregnancy, those in the first trimester, and those with nausea or vomiting during pregnancy. These women require help to overcome barriers to physical activity and to promote health.