English summary: PARITY AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY - ARE FINNISH MOTHERS SUFFICIENTLY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE?

Background

There have been few studies of physical activity and parity to date. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether women are sufficiently physically active during the post-partum period.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included non-pregnant women of the FINRISKI 2002 study, aged 25-50, who completed the physical activity questionnaire in addition to the reproductive health questionnaire (n=1571).

Results

A significant association was found between both parity and physical activity and time since delivery and physical activity. Women with one child were found to have 1.7 (95 % CI 1.1-2.6) times the risk of insufficient physical activity as compared to nulliparous women. Women who had given birth 1-2 years previously were found to have around twice the risk of insufficient physical activity as compared to women who had never given birth. Furthermore, a significant association was found between body mass index and physical activity and also between educational level and physical activity.

Conclusions

Women with one child and women having given birth 1-2 years previously were identified as target groups for the promotion of physical activity.