Impact of Structured Antenatal Education and Physical Activity Classes on Health-Related Quality of Life during Pregnancy: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background Pregnancy affects multiple dimensions of women's well-being. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of structured antenatal education and physical activity classes on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among pregnant women in Sulaimani City, Kurdistan Region-Iraq. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at Qaiwan Primary Health Care Center from April 4, 2023, to August 22, 2024. A total of 292 pregnant women at 18–20 weeks’ gestation were divided into three groups: Control (n=146) receiving routine antenatal care, Intervention 1 (n=80) receiving routine care and an educational brochure, and Intervention 2 (n=66) receiving routine care, brochure, and five structured antenatal education classes. HRQoL was measured using the SF-36 questionnaire at baseline and 36–37 weeks’ gestation.  Results: After intervention, Intervention 2 showed statistically significant improvements across multiple HRQoL domains compared to Control and Intervention 1. The physical domain improved from 71.5±16.5 to 72.7±16.1 (p<0.001), role-physical from 36.9±33.7 to 57.3±17.0 (p<0.001), role-emotional from 39.0±39.3 to 51.3±35.4 (p<0.001), and mental health from 61.2±10.3 to 61.3±8.9 (p<0.001). Mean difference comparisons showed significant benefits in Intervention 2 for physical (+1.15), role physical (+20.38), and role emotional (+12.31) domains. In contrast, Control and Intervention 1 groups showed significant declines. Conclusion: Structured antenatal education significantly enhances the physical, emotional, and functional well-being of pregnant women. Integrating comprehensive antenatal classes into routine care is essential to improve maternal HRQoL.