PERCEIVED EFFECT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION ON THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AMONG MARRIED COUPLE IN EBONYI STATE

Abstract

Regular physical activity is seen to plays a crucial role in enhancing reproductive health for both men and women within married couples. It improves hormonal balance, enhances blood circulation to reproductive organs, and can positively influence fertility and pregnancy outcomes.  However, little or no studies investigated the effect of physical activity participation among married couple in Ebonyi state, despite the impact of infertility among married couple in the area.This study investigated the perceived effect of physical activity participation on the reproductive health among married couple in Ebonyi State. The descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. The sample consisted of 296 participants drawn through purposive sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics including mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that married men in Ebonyi State hold a consistently negative perception of the impact of physical activities on various aspects of sexual health. Specifically, participants expressed negative perceptions regarding the effect of physical activity on sexual functioning (x̄ = 2.16, SD=0.56), sexual desires (x̄=2.11, SD=0.55), erectile function (x̄=2.20, SD = 0.60), and sexual stamina (x̄=22, SD=0.57). The mean scores and standard deviations consistently fell below the set criteria for each domain, indicating a consistent trend of negative perceptions. Based on these findings, the study recommends targeted health education campaigns using multiple channels, including radio, television, and community gatherings, to emphasize the positive impact of regular physical activities on sexual health. Community engagement programs involving local leaders and influencers are also recommended to facilitate direct interaction and foster community discussions. Additionally, the study suggests professional training for health professionals and educators to enhance their communication skills and address concerns universally.