RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BODY MASS INDEX, EXERCISE SELF-EFFICACY AND EXERCISE CAPACITY AMONG POSTPARTUM WOMEN ATTENDING KLINIK KESIHATAN KEPALA BATAS, PULAU PINANG: A CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Low exercise self-efficacy has been identified as the significant predictor of postpartum women's problem to begin or reengage in continuous exercises routine. Simultaneously, abnormal body mass index (BMI) and low exercise capacity might be significant in the health-related components. However, research is scarce concerning this relationship in postpartum women. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine the correlation between BMI, exercise self-efficacy and exercise capacity among 6 to 12 months of postpartum women. A total of 131 postpartum women (mean = 32 ± 5 years) at Kepala Batas Health Clinic, Pulau Pinang, were recruited. Data on demographics, BMI and exercise selfefficacy using Malay version of Bandura Self-Efficacy Scale (ESE-M) were collected. Exercise capacity data were measured using a 2-Minutes Step Test (TMST). About 28.3%, 13.7 %, and 2.3% of the subjects were overweight, obese, and severely obese, respectively, with a mean BMI was 24.7 ± 4.9 kg/m². About 18.3% of postpartum women had mild to moderate exercise selfefficacy and low exercise capacity (15%). There was positive correlation between BMI and exercise capacity (r=0.22, p<0.05). Meanwhile, analysis of Spearman's correlation showed a positive correlation between ESE-M behavior 1 "when I am feeling tired" and exercise capacity (r = 0.199, p <0.05). Postpartum women presented with a high level of exercise capacity may have an ideal BMI score and higher exercise self-efficacy. Therefore, these factors should be emphasized when healthcare professionals design interventions in promoting physical activity to encourage better physical well-being and the confidence to reengage in exercise among postpartum women.