Science Midwifery
Vol 14 No 2 (2026): June: Health Sciences and related fields

Aerobic exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention to reduce weight gain in 3-month injectable contraceptive users

Zulhijriani Zulhijriani (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Bakti Utama Pati, Indonesia)
Nur Cahyani Ari Lestari (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Bakti Utama Pati, Indonesia)
Salwa Annisaa (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Bakti Utama Pati, Indonesia)
Luluk Yuliati (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Bakti Utama Pati, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

Weight gain is identified as one of the most prevalent side effects among users of 3-month injectable contraceptives (Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate/DMPA), which significantly impacts user compliance and long-term health. This study aims to analyze the effect of a structured aerobic exercise intervention on weight reduction among DMPA users. This research employed a quantitative pre-experimental design with a pretest-posttest approach. The study was conducted in Tondomulyo Village, Pati District, Central Java, involving 50 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) who were current users of 3-month injectable contraceptives, selected through purposive sampling. Body weight was measured before and after the intervention using calibrated digital scales. Data were analyzed using a paired sample t-test via SPSS with a significance level of p < 0.05. The study found a statistically significant decrease in body weight following the aerobic exercise intervention (p=0.000). The mean body weight decreased from 61.92 kg at pre-intervention to 60.86 kg post-intervention, resulting in a mean difference of 1.06 kg. Most participants engaged in light-intensity exercise (58%), though regular exercise was associated with more optimal metabolic outcomes. Aerobic exercise is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for managing weight gain among DMPA users. Incorporating structured physical activity into reproductive health programs can serve as a holistic approach to mitigate contraceptive side effects and improve user continuation rates.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

midwifery

Publisher

Subject

Dentistry Health Professions Nursing Public Health Veterinary

Description

Jurnal Kebidanan dan ilmu kesehatan ini adalah di terbitkan 2 kali dalam setahun, dalam bidang kebidanan dan ...