Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Physical Activities in Post COVID 19 Lockdown among Adult Learners in South East Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Reduction in physical activity, irrespective of the cause, as well as increase in the prevalence of sedentary behaviours are strongly associated with the development of some of the most serious health problems adults face such as , diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults should undertake regular physical activity. Many adults lack knowledge of the physical activity recommendations. The aim of the study is to determine the knowledge, attitude and physical activity level in post Covid- 19 lockdown among adult learners in South East Nigeria. Methods: The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. Researchers’ structured questionnaire on knowledge of, and attitude towards physical activities and the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used to collect data. Results: Though the adult learners possess high level of knowledge of physical activities (64.10 %), majority do not know the physical activity recommendations by the WHO, while only 58.46% showed positive attitude towards physical activities. Physical activity level of the respondents as reported through the short form of the IPAQ showed that 54.87 % are low, 26.84 % are moderate while only 18.29 % has high physical activity level. Conclusion: The adult learners had high level of knowledge of physical activity, positive attitude towards physical activity. This did not translate to high level of physical activity. Public health awareness and health talks on the benefits of physical activities and WHO physical activity guidelines and recommendations should be mounted by the institutions.