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Effects of Social Support and Self-Regulation on Changes in Exercise Behavior Among Infertile Women: A Cross-Sectional Study for Comparison of External and Internal Factors Publisher



Fallahi A1 ; Rahmani A2 ; Yousif PHA3 ; Gheshlagh RG4 ; Allahqoli L5 ; Nemat B6 ; Alkatout I7
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
  2. 2. Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Nursing, Soran Technical College, Erbil Polytechnic University, Erbil, Iraq
  4. 4. Spiritual Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
  5. 5. Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
  6. 6. Health Network of Sanandaj, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
  7. 7. Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kiel School of Gynaecological Endoscopy, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus C, Kiel, 24105, Germany

Source: Journal of Education and Community Health Published:2023


Abstract

Background: Exercise behavior (EB) has a significant impact on infertility, but the magnitude of the effect is not easily determined. This study aimed to assess the effect of social support and self-regulation, as external and internal factors, on changes in EB among infertile women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 483 infertile women in Sanandaj (Iran) in 2020. Samples were recruited from 35 comprehensive healthcare centers by convenience sampling. Standardized face-to-face interviews were conducted using valid and reliable instruments for the assessment of EB, social support, and self-regulation. The association between EB, social support, and self-regulation was evaluated by logistic regression models. Results: The majority of the participants (56.7%) had secondary infertility, while 70.8% of them did not perform any exercise. Self-regulation and social support were significantly higher in women with secondary infertility than in those with primary infertility (P<0.01). Self-regulation was significantly lower in women whose height was below 160 centimeters (P<0.05). Social support was significantly higher among participants aged≥35 years and weighing≥60 kg (P<0.01). The odds of EB adoption increased with self-regulation and social support (odds ratio [OR]=1.05, 95% CI=1.02-1.09, P<0.01; OR=1.06, 95% CI=1.02-1.11, P<0.01). Conclusion: Social support and self-regulation almost equally influenced EB in infertile women. In future research, designing support and consultation programs can be considered to encourage infertile women to exercise. © 2023 The Author(s)