Knowledge, attitude and practice towards antenatal physical exercise among pregnant women in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction

Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy have paramount importance for both the mother and fetus. Regardless of the benefits of exercise during pregnancy, significant proportion of women usually opt sedentary lifestyle during pregnancy. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to synthesis evidences on knowledge, attitude, and practice towards antenatal physical exercise among pregnant women in Ethiopia.

Methods

The systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on knowledge, attitude, practice, and associated factors towards antenatal physical exercise among pregnant women in Ethiopia. The systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was registered on PROSPERO website with registration number CRD42023444723. Articles were searched on international databases using medical subject heading and keywords. After ensuring eligibility, data were extracted using Microsoft excel and imported to STATA 17 for analysis. Cochran Q test and I ² statistics were used to check presence of heterogeneity. Weighted Inverse variance random effect model was used to estimate the pooled level of knowledge, attitude, and practice on antenatal physical exercise among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Funnel plot and egger’s test were used to check presence of publication bias.

Results

A total of 11 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of adequate knowledge, favorable attitude and good practice towards antenatal physical exercise were 46.04% with 95% CI (44.45%-47.63%), 43.71%, 95% CI (41.95%-45.46%) and 34.06, 95% CI (20.04%-48.08%) respectively. Good knowledge AOR 2.38 95% CI(1.80–3.14), unfavorable attitude AOR 0.43 95% CI (0.32–0.58), having no pre-pregnancy habit of physical exercise AOR 0.44 95 CI (0.24–0.79) and having diploma or above education status AOR 3.39 95% CI (1.92–5.98) were significantly associated with practice of antenatal physical exercise.

Conclusion

The level of knowledge, attitude and practice towards antenatal physical exercise among pregnant women was far below the recommended level in Ethiopia. Knowledge, attitude, education status and pre-pregnancy habit of physical exercise were significantly associated factors with antenatal physical exercise practice. It is highly essential to disseminate health information on the benefits of antenatal physical exercise for all pregnant women during antenatal care contacts.