Factors Influencing the Physical Activity Behaviours of Nigerian Adolescents: Qualitative Views of School Principals and Teachers

Abstract

Background: Insufficient physical activity is a growing public health challenge among Nigerian adolescents. Significant information gap exists on the drivers of the physical activity behaviours of in-school adolescents in Nigeria. This study was conducted to identify the factors influencing the physical activity behaviours of in-school adolescents within the school settings. Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted in 12 public and private schools in two local government areas of Oyo state, Nigeria. Two key sources of data were used: six key informant interviews with school principals and six focus group discussions with classroom teachers using pre-tested guides. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.Results: Several factors influence the physical activity behaviours of adolescents. Personal characteristics such as adolescents’ sex and age and social factors such as norms associated with gender participation in sports, cultural and religious views influenced the physical activity behaviours of the adolescents. The negative attitudinal dispositions of parents and teachers and low prioritisation of physical education were identified as critical barriers to physical activity participation. Other school-related factors such as increasing demand for classroom academic time, inadequate funding for schools which limits the recruitment of physical health education teachers, provision of facilities and equipment as well as security threats and brawling associated with competitive school-based sporting events were identified also as limiting opportunities for the effective implementation of policies and programmes for physical activity in schools.Conclusions: Drivers of insufficient physical activity among in-school adolescents are multifactorial. Implementation of holistic, multi-component interventions which address the individual, parental, social and school-level factors and limit students’ participation and opportunities for physical activity in schools are recommended.