Compliance with 24 h Movement Behavior Guidelines for Pregnant Women in Saudi Arabia: The Role of Trimester and Maternal Characteristics

Abstract

Background: Complying with 24 h movement behavior guidelines for pregnant women may prevent pregnancy complications. This single time point, cross-sectional investigation assessed compliance with the 24 h movement behavior guidelines in pregnant women in Saudi Arabia and examined the role of trimester and maternal characteristics.

Methods: Pregnant women (n = 935; age = 30 ± 5.6 years; first trimester = 24.1%, second trimester = 33.9%, third trimester = 42.0%) self-reported their characteristics (nationality, region, degree, occupation, smoking status, health status, having children, previous birth). The short-version International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire measured moderate physical activity (MPA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep duration, respectively. Compliance with the 24 h movement behavior guidelines was reported using frequencies and percentages. Prevalence ratios compared the prevalence of compliance by trimester and maternal characteristics.

Results: Approximately half of the participants did not comply with MPA or sleep duration guidelines (n = 524, [56.0%] and n = 424, [45.5%], respectively). In contrast, about two-thirds of participants (n = 648, [69.3%]) adhered to the SB guideline. Only 154 (16.5%) participants complied with all 3 24 h movement behavior guidelines. Pregnant women in their second trimester, living in Al-Ahsa Governorate, and currently smoking with a bachelor's degree were the most likely to comply with the guidelines.

Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for tailored efforts to promote healthy 24 h movement behavior guidelines for pregnant women in Saudi Arabia, especially early in pregnancy, while accounting for important maternal characteristics.

Keywords: Arab; lifestyle; physical activity; pregnancy; sedentary behavior; sleep.

Figure 1

Compliance with the 24 h movement behaviors guidelines. MPA; moderate physical activity, SB; sedentary behavior.

Figure 2

Compliance with the 24 h movement behaviors guidelines by trimester. * indicates a significant prevalence ratio. NS indicates a non-significant prevalence ratio. MPA; moderate physical activity, SB; sedentary behavior.