Prevalence knowledge practices and factors associate with overweight and obesity among pregnant mothers in Batticaloa Medical Officers of Health area.

Abstract

Maternal obesity is considered as one of the most commonly occurring risk factors seen in obstetric practice which can cause many complications. Compared with women with a healthy pre – pregnancy weight, women with obesity are at risk of gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, venous thromboembolism, anesthetic complications and wound infections. The study was aimed to assess the prevalence, knowledge and practices and factors associated with overweight and obesity among pregnant mothers in Batticaloa MOH area. Descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 358 pregnant mothers who attended antenatal clinic in Batticaloa MOH area via a self-administered questionnaire. Variables were analyzed through descriptive analysis by using SPSS version 26. Among 358 participants nearly half (50.7%) were normal weight (BMI 18.5 - 24.9 kg/m2) 24.2% were classified as underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2) 18.5% were overweight (BMI 25.0 - 29.9 kg/m2) 5.7% were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2). Majority 61.54% are did not known their BMI. 75.78% of participants strongly believed lack of physical exercise led to obesity. Among participants 78.63% strongly believed family history led to obesity. 49.29% and 38.18% strongly believed that obesity led to maternal and fetal complications respectively. 44.16% strongly believed obesity can be cured. Majority 54.70% strongly agreed that regular exercise and healthy diet control the obesity. Regarding the factors associated with obesity consumption in before and during pregnancy periods the 3 times meals increased significantly, from 72.93% to 77.78%. The short meal consumption in both periods is 2 times and it increased significantly, from 39.32% to 43.59%. All mothers deny use of alcohol. Majority (87.18%) of mothers did not do the regular exercises. 97.15% of the mothers did the daily house hold activities before pregnancy, but this reduced dramatically to 87.46% after pregnancy. 66.83% of the mothers did no gardening and farming (extra activities) before pregnant, and this amount went up dramatically to 79.77% in after pregnancy. Our study confirms that poor knowledge on overweight and obesity and its complications as well as association between physical inactivity exercises and food habit. A hidden area is underweight mother’s prevalence. Correct measurement of weight reduction such referral to a nutritionist as well as seeking.