Physical activity patterns and levels of adolescent learners from low and middle socio-economic status communities in Kwazulu-Natal Province

Abstract

sedentary lifestyle and insufficient physical activity (PA) increases the risk of developing chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Knowing the PA levels and patterns of adolescents from different socio-economic backgrounds is important to direct programmes at schools and in communities to prevent NCDs risk factors, which can have long-term effects on the health of the adolescents. The study aimed to investigate adolescent PA levels, patterns and influencing factors (age, gender, socio-economic status). The 353 participants (203 females, 150 males) from eight low socio-economic status (LSES) and middle socio-economic status (MSES) public secondary schools completed a Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). The PA Levels (2.61±0.74) were below the international PA cut-off points of mean=2.75. Physical education (PE) showed the highest PA score (3.05±1.21) and ‘during lunch breaks’ the lowest (2.09±1.14). Positive correlations occurred between PA levels and SES (r=0.122; p=0.022), and PA and gender (r=0.223; p=0.0001). LSES participant’s PA score was significantly lower (2.52±0.73) than those from MSES (2.70±0.74; p=0.022). As adolescents are not sufficiently active, school and community PA programmes need to be implemented in schools and communities to supplement PE in order to prevent short- and long-term health problems.