KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE RELATING TO SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR DURING PREGNANCY AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN YEMETU COMMUNITY, IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

Pregnancy is an intriguing period in the life of a woman which brings about several changes that may affect the mental, emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing of the mother and the growth of her unborn child. Sexual behaviour which has been proven to be beneficial during pregnancy is often frowned at in some African communities due to the poor knowledge of its benefits. The study investigated the level of knowledge, attitude and sexual practice, of women of reproductive age during pregnancy in Yemetu community, Ibadan, Oyo state Nigeria. This was a descriptive cross sectional survey using a multistage sampling technique to select 300 women residing within Yemetu communities. Quantitative data was collected using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Knowledge was measured on an 11- point scale; score of >9 was classified as good, ≥5.5-8 as fair and <5.5 as poor. Attitude was measured on a 17-point scale; score of >10 was classified as positive and a score of <10 as negative. Practice was measured on 6-point scale; score of >3 was classified as healthy while a score of <3 was classified as unhealthy. Qualitative data were collected using an In-depth interview (IDI) guide from 10 consented participants identified to be pregnant and engaging in sexual activities from the questionnaire to explore their attitude and experience. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi square) at p<0.05 while Qualitative data were analysed thematically. Mean age of respondents was 32.1+7.7 years. Majority (69.9%) had a good knowledge on sexual activity during pregnancy (9.3±2.0) with 89.2% getting a form of knowledge of sexual activities during pregnancy from the healthcare facility. Majority (68.7%) had a positive attitude towards sexual activities during pregnancy (12.4±8.5) with 92.0% affirming that it is gratifying and should be practised anytime during pregnancy. Practice of sexual activities during pregnancy was 91.5%. The forms of sexual practices were; vaginal intercourse (98.3%), kissing (38.5%), body fondling (34.4%) and masturbation (15.1%). Frequency of sexual activity during pregnancy included at least once a week (69.0%) and once a month (10.3%).The study recorded a 69.8% change in sexual activity during pregnancy with a reduction during the first trimester (25.3%), an increase during the second-third trimester (55.4%) with a further drop at the birth week (25.3%). The main reason adduced by women who reported that they did not engaged in sexual activities during pregnancy was unavailability of their partners (33.3%). There was a statistically significant association between Knowledge and level of education of women; sexual activities and pregnancy status; knowledge and attitude towards sexual activity; attitude and sexual activity. Findings from the IDI revealed the following as benefits of engaging in sexual activity during pregnancy: happiness, feeling of being loved, easy delivery, marital harmony and health of the baby. The study recorded good knowledge, positive attitude and healthy practice of sexual behaviour during pregnancy. Nonetheless, there is need for patient education to reduce the anxiety associated with sexual activity during pregnancy among women.