Comparison of functionality, quality of life and physical activity level of high-risk and normal-risk pregnant women: a cross-sectional study

• Grant number: 25/13899-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Ana Carolina Sartorato Beleza
• Grantee: Bianca de Lima Archanjo
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy, although generally physiological, may involve complications resulting from pre-existing or acquired clinical conditions, or those aggravated by socioeconomic factors, characterizing high-risk pregnancies. These women may experience impairments in functionality, daily activities, and quality of life, especially when dealing with physical discomforts and negative experiences.Objective: To describe the functional profile, quality of life, and physical activity of high-risk pregnant women and to compare these aspects between women receiving high-risk and routine prenatal care.Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional study based on the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. Brazilian pregnant women aged 18 years or older undergoing high-risk prenatal care will be included. One instrument will be used to collect personal and sociodemographic data, along with three questionnaires: the World Health Organization Quality of Life - Bref (WHOQOL-Bref), the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0), and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Participant characteristics will be analyzed descriptively. For the analysis of scores related to functionality, quality of life, and physical activity, as well as the comparison between high-risk and routine prenatal care groups, One-Way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests will be used. A 5% significance level will be adopted for all analyses.Expected results: Outlining the functional, quality of life, and physical activity profiles of women across different gestational trimesters may provide valuable information for a personalized health promotion approach during pregnancy. Variations in symptoms are expected throughout the trimesters and between the high-risk and routine care groups. (AU)