THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF URBAN PREGNANT WOMEN TOWARDS PRE-BIRTH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE CASE OF SELECTED HOSPITALS IN HARAR AND DIRE DAWA CITIES, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Aproper physical activity regimen during antenatal care helps the mother have a safe pregnancy and delivery. For healthy pregnant and postpartum women, the guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity.The objective of the study was to assess the Knowledge and attitude of pregnant women towards pre- birth physical activity, in the case of selected hospitals in Harar and Dire Dawa cities, Ethiopia. A self-administerd questionnaire was developed from previous Review of Related Literatures. A sample of 240 pregnant women who met the study criteria were explained about the study. The respondents are selected by random sampling techniqueas the pregnant women come until the sample size for each hospital is fulfilled. After obtaining theire informed Concent the Knowledge and Atittude quetionnnarie were given to pregnant women in English, Amharic and Somali language depending on their preference. Across sectional study using quantitative methods was conducted at selected Harar and Dire Dawa cities selected hospitals, From Harar, Hiwot Fana, Jagula and Police, from Dire Dawa, Dilchora, Yemariyam Worki and Bilal. The agecategories of 18-45 years were recruited. Data was entered and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Frequencies and percentages were taken out as part of descriptive statics. The majority of the women reported 45.8% (n= 110) second trimester.The respondent's knowledge towards physical activity 82.9 % (n=199) of our study participants were aware of physical activity.More than 45% (n=109) participants in this study agreed that Physical activity have appositive role in antenatal care. The results suggest that the pregnant woman's knowledge and attitude towards pre birth physical activity is favorable. The majority of the respondents agreed that Physical activity have appositive role in antenatal care. The study underscores the need for interaction of sport professionals with other health professionals in order to ensure that the pre birth physical activity performed by pregnant women has importance for our Mathers and sisters.