Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Kegel Exercise among Postnatal Women, in Al Madinah Al Munawarah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Kegel exercise role in strengthening the pelvic floor muscle in the treatment of prolapse and urinary incontinence and improve mobility and relieves pain Aim; The study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude and practices of kegel exercise among postnatal women in Al Madinah Al Munawarh, Saudi Arabia. Study design: This study utilized descriptive quantitative cross-sectional study design. Study Setting: The study was conducted of the postnatal ward in Maternity and Children's Hospital in Al Madinah Al Munawarh, Saudi Arabia. From April to December 2019. Sample: the study carried out among 152 of postpartum mothers. Tools that used in this study; Tool I: An interviewer-administered questionnaire in Arabic language was used in this study, it composed of three parts targeting the research objectives. Tool II: was concerned with knowledge of women regarding kegel exercises. Tool III: - concerned two parts: Part one: This part related to women's attitude towards kegel exercises. Part two: This part related to women's practices about kegel exercises. Results: the study found that 44.7% of the sample was in the age group 26-31 years old, 75.0% were multigravida, 85.5% had no miscarriage, 67.1% had vaginal delivery, and 50.0% have 1-3 children. 25% of the sample reported media as their source for information on kegel exercise. 62.7% of the sample had satisfactory knowledge. 72.4% were categorised as having ‘somewhat favourable’ overall attitudes towards kegel exercises. 57%of the mothers have not performed kegel exercise. 38.5% of the participants were correctly practised kegel exercise in sitting or standing position. While 29.7% was correctly practised kegel exercise in lying down position. Conclusion; Women’s knowledge concerning the kegel exercise in the postnatal period is reasonable and their attitude was favourable, but the mothers had the poor practice of kegel exercises. Recommendation; Mothers should be informed and trained to kegel exercises properly by educational courses.