Abstract:
Background: Postpartum phase, the first six weeks post-delivery, is a challenging time for
mothers worldwide, involving psychological, physiological, and biological changes. Regular
exercise during postpartum is among the cost-effective options that can significantly reduce
the burden of chronic metabolic diseases. However, a few is known about postpartum
physical exercise among women in postpartum period.
Objective: The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices about postpartum
physical exercise and its associated factors among women in postpartum period in Nedjo
town, West Wollega, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed from April 20 to
May 20, 2023. Four hundred twenty two (422) women were selected by using simple random
sampling technique (computer generator random number). Data were collected by using
interviewer-administered structured questionnaires. The collected data were checked for its
completeness and coded, then entered to EPI data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version
25 for analysis. All predictor’s variables with p value <0.25 in bivariable analysis were
entered into multivariable logistic regression analysis. Variables with a p value of less than
0.05 in the multivariable analysis were taken as statistically significant predictors of
postpartum physical exercise.
Result: A total of 416 women participated in this study, with a response rate of 98.6%. From
the study participants, about 134 (32.2%) were knowledgeable, 156 (37.5%) had a positive
attitude and 81(19.5%) practiced postpartum physical exercise. Those women who had
college and above education (AOR =5.62; 95% CI: 2.03, 10.54), government
employed (AOR = 8.01 95% CI: 3.99, 12.08, had practicing physical exercise before
pregnancy (AOR =2.9; 95% CI: 1.6, 5.58), and prime gravid (AOR =2.3; 95% CI: 1.35, 4.43)
were independently associated with knowledge on postpartum physical exercise.
Conclusion and recommendation: The study found more than two-third of participants
were not knowledgeable about postpartum physical exercise, and their level of practice was
quite low, despite having a good attitude. Therefore, health care providers and other relevant
bodies should create awareness on the benefits of postpartum physical exercise to prevent
pregnancy-related complications.
