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.
