Department of Biology

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Browsing Department of Biology by Author "Khanakwa, Rebecca Wamboka"

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    Assessment of awareness of the importance of physical exercise and proper nutrition among pregnant women, case study at tororo general hospital.
    (Busitema University, 2024) Khanakwa, Rebecca Wamboka
    This research project aims to assess the awareness of the importance of physical exercises and proper nutrition among pregnant women at Tororo referral hospital Physical exercises are movements and activities done to keep your body healthy or make it stronger. Proper nutrition refers to a balanced diet of safe, functionally, directed, high-quality products that allow the human body to grow, develop and stay healthy. The methodology involved use of questionnaires given randomly to pregnant women who had come for ante-natal services in Tororo referral hospital in order to collect qualitative data on the awareness of the importance of physical exercises and proper nutrition among pregnant women. The results revealed that all participants (100%) are aware of the benefits of physical exercises during pregnancy. This universal awareness indicates a high level of knowledge about the importance of physical exercises, maintaining maternal and fetal health. Regarding engagement in physical exercises, 97% of the pregnant women who reported actively participating in exercises and only 3% do not. The high rate of engagement reflected a strong commitment to applying their awareness practically, which is consistent with findings from other studies that highlight a positive correlation between awareness and actual health behavior changes. The highest percentage (75%) of pregnant women participate in walking. However, the researching also revealed some of the barriers that hinder pregnant women from participating in physical exercises for example. Regarding food consumption, kaalo, a staple in Ugandan cuisine, is consumed by 89 women, indicating its central role in the diet summarized in the pie chart (Figure 4.6). Also, they accompany their meals with fruits, oranges being eaten by the largest number of participants followed by mangoes. In conclusion, the results revealed a high level of awareness regarding the benefits of physical exercises. Nutritionally, this data highlighted the preference for staple foods and fruits such as oranges, mangoes, kaalo and matooke for both cultural practices and nutritional choices. To enhance awareness, I recommend professional -led education, interactive workshops, increase accessibility and support and strengthen community-based efforts.