Self-reported physical activity and associated factors among pregnant women in Gondar university comprehensive specialized hospital, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: physical activity is one of the most important in the prevention of chronic non communicable diseases for all stage of life. Active life style during pregnancy helps to promote maternal and child health and prevent pregnancy related complication. However there is limited evidence which assess the physical activity and associated factors during pregnancy in Ethiopia. Objective: to assess the prevalence and associated factors of physical activity during pregnancy among pregnant women in university of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, northwest Ethiopia. Method: an institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 pregnant women in university of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital from April to Jun, 2018 in Gondar town in northwest Ethiopia. The socio-demographic and exercise characteristics were recorded, and the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess their physical activity during pregnancy. The data was analyzed by logistic regression model. Results: Only 16.3 %( 69) of pregnant women met the world health organization’s physical activity guideline for pregnancy. Factors positively associated with moderate intensity physical activity were being urban resident (AOR 4.143: 95% CI 1.161- 14.82, p-value 0.028), 2nd trimester (AOR 1.821:955 CI 1.011 - 3.282: p-value 0.046) Conclusion: This study revealed that few pregnant women were met moderate intensity physical activity level. Pregnant women from urban area and at second trimester were more likely to meet the recommended international physical activity guideline. Key words: pregnancy, physical activity, physical exercise, physical activity pattern, physical activity level.