Barriers and facilitators for postpartum women with stress urinary incontinence to participate in progressive jumping exercises: A qualitative descriptive study.

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization recommends that postpartum women participate in appropriate aerobic exercise to restore physical function. This study examines the perceptions, attitudes, and potential barriers faced by postpartum women with stress urinary incontinence regarding progressive jumping exercises.

AIM: This study explores the perceptions and attitudes of postpartum women with stress urinary incontinence toward progressive jumping exercises, and identifies hindering and facilitating factors by applying the Theory of Planned Behavior.

METHODS

Between July and August 2025, we conducted one-on-one structured interviews with postpartum women experiencing stress urinary incontinence at a postpartum rehabilitation center in a hospital in Shenzhen. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and the interviews were conducted in Mandarin. Data were analyzed using targeted content analysis.

RESULTS

The study identified ten themes across three constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior: (a) attitudes: perceived value and expectations serve as facilitators, whereas perceived caution acts as a significant barrier; (b) subjective norms: interpersonal influence facilitates exercise, whereas pressure from social media and the traditional Chinese practice of "zuo yuezi" hinder it; (c) perceived behavioral control: positive feedback strongly motivates exercise, while time pressure, insufficient motivation, and poor physical condition are key obstacles.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings provide valuable insights into the factors that facilitate and hinder postpartum women with stress urinary incontinence from participating in this exercise, enhancing our understanding of the decision-making processes underlying their exercise behavior.