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Table 2 Scores of PA barriers and its Subscales (n = 300)

From: Barriers to physical activity in pregnant women living in Iran and its predictors: a cross sectional study

Subscale

Items

Mean

SD

Total Mean ± SD

Minimum

Maximum

Intrapersonal barriers

Intrapersonal barriers related to pregnancy

I cannot be physically active because of drowsiness.

3.04

1.35

29.47 ± 8.64

55.76 ± 20.58a

11

49

I cannot be physically active because of lethargy/lack of energy.

2.50

1.30

I cannot be physically active because I do not have exercise habits.

2.84

1.30

Pregnancy is a time for rest

3.52

1.46

I cannot be physically active because of the heavy feeling of pregnancy (swelling and/or weight).

3.53

1.49

I cannot be physically active because of my abdominal size and appearance.

2.59

1.35

I cannot be physically active because of pain (such as back pain, hip pain, and/or headache).

2.70

1.33

I cannot be physically active because of shortness of breath.

2.61

1.38

I am concerned by possible pregnancy complications such as miscarriages and premature labor.

3.13

1.47

I cannot be physically active because of pregnancy gastrointestinal problems (such as nausea, vomiting, and heart burn).

3.04

1.36

Intrapersonal barriers non-related to pregnancy

Physical activity is too hard work for me.

2.74

1.28

15.52 ± 4.15

51.40 ± 23.73a

5

25

I do not do physical activity because of a lack of confidence in my physical ability.

2.66

1.30

I do not have the patience to do physical activity.

3.39

1.32

I cannot be physically active because I do not have a regular schedule in life.

3.95

1.23

Because of family and childrearing responsibilities/activities I do not have enough time to do physical activity.

2.76

1.28

Interpersonal barriers

In our society, it is not customary for pregnant women to do physical activity.

2.62

1.30

16.37 ± 4.59

57.07 ± 22.80a

5

25

I do not do physical activity because I do not have access to complete information about physical activity during pregnancy.

3.41

1.43

My friends and relatives forbid me from doing physical activity during pregnancy.

3.14

1.38

The physician/midwife does not provide advice on the benefits of physical activity during pregnancy.

3.53

1.34

The physician/midwife does not provide advice on how to do physical activity safely during pregnancy

3.66

1.35

Environmental barriers

Air pollution prevents me from doing physical activity outdoors.

3.49

1.34

I do not do physical activity because I do not have access to a suitable vehicle for transportation.

3.27

1.41

27.19 ± 6.55

50.52 ± 18.24a

9

45

It is difficult for me to do physical activity in unfavorable weather (too cold/hot).

2.07

1.01

I am not able to pay for physical activities.

2.83

1.38

There are no specific physical activity programs designed for pregnant women.

2.78

1.35

Parks are unsafe and unsuitable for pregnant women to do physical activity.

2.50

1.28

I do not do physical activity because of a lack of space at home.

3.04

1.46

There is too great a distance from my home to facilities designed for physical activity.

3.95

1.25

There are very few places for me to do physical activity.

3.23

1.29

Total

88.55 ± 19.28

36

133

  1. a Based on 100