Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Toward Postpartum Physical Exercise And Its Associated Factors Among Women In Postpartum Period, In Nedjo Town, West Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023.

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.