Intention to antenatal physical exercise and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public hospitals, Addis Ababa, 2024.

Abstract

Summary Background: Regular physical activity throughout pregnancy provides advantages for women's bodies and minds as well. It is well documented that its effect is in the risk reduction of pre-eclampsia, diabetes, and other sedentary-related health problems. The intention to engage in prenatal physical exercise is a strong predictor of physical activity throughout pregnancy, which is a beneficial behavior for prenatal mothers. Objective: To assess the prevalence of intention to engage in prenatal physical exercise, and the associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public hospitals, Addis Ababa, 2024." Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted by using systematic random sampling method from January to August, 2024. Online Kobo toolbox and SPSS version 27 were used for data collection and analysis respectively. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was used for analysis, and statistical significance was declared at a P value <0.05 in multivariable logistic regression and the Odds ratio was used to determine the effect of association between dependent and independent variables with 95% CI. Results: With a response rate of 98.2%, the prevalence of intention to do antenatal physical exercise during pregnancy was 59.9%. Source of information from mass media with AOR=2.65, (95% CI:1.33, 5.27), women's attitude with AOR = 3.14, (95% CI:1.35, 7.30), having five or more prenatal care with AOR= 4.75, (95% CI :1.26, 17.84), pre-pregnancy physical exercise habits with AOR= 2.60, (95% CI: 1.28, 5.28), adequate supporting facility with AOR =3.47, ( 95% CI:1.71, 7.02), and have no enough time with AOR=0.28, (95% CI: (0.13, 0.62) were significantly associated with intention to antenatal physical exercise. Conclusion: More than half (59.9%) of the study participants intended to do prenatal physical exercise. Before-pregnancy physical exercise habit, increased frequency of prenatal care visits, having a favorable attitude, and using mass media have a positive influence on the intention to practice antenatal physical exercise. Therefore, maternity care providers and other responsible bodies should promote healthy behavior change programs to improve pregnant mother's attitude and awareness to do physical exercise. Keywords: Antenatal physical exercise, Intention, Pregnant women, and Antenatal care