Patterns and Associated Factors of Physical Activity among Adolescents in Nigeria

Abstract

IntroductionUnderstanding the context where adolescents’ physical activity (PA) takes place could impact a more targeted approach to implement PA promotion and interventions in Africa. However, standardized data on adolescents’ PA behaviour is lacking in Nigeria. We described PA patterns in the various domains (home, school, transport, leisure-time) and intensity categories (light-intensity PA, moderate- to vigorous- intensity physical activity [MVPA] and total PA), and their associations with sociodemographic factors and socioeconomic status (SES) among secondary school adolescents in Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in a representative sample of 1006 secondary school adolescents (12–18 years, 50.4% girls) in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Self-reported PA was assessed with an adapted version of the Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents and Young Adults. Outcomes were weekly minutes (min/wk) of PA spent in the various domains and intensity categories. Multivariate ANOVA was used to examine associations of PA scores (domains and intensity levels) with adolescents’ sociodemographic characteristics and SES, and track differences in PA scores between subgroups.ResultsThe total sample reported most PA at school (1525 min/wk), the least during active transportation (210 min/wk), and only 37% engaged in 60 min of MVPA daily. Boys reported significantly more leisure-time PA (P<0.001), active transportation (P<0.001), MVPA (P = 0.023) and total PA (P = 0.003) than girls, while girls reported more school-based PA (P = 0.009), home-based PA (P<0.001) and light-intensity PA (P<0.001) than boys. Moderate-intensity PA (P = 0.024) and total PA (P = 0.049) were significantly higher in younger age group than in older group. Household car ownership was associated with less active transportation (P = 0.009), less moderate-intensity PA (P = 0.048) and with more leisure-time PA (P = 0.013). High parental SES was associated with more leisure-time PA (P = 0.002), more MVPA (P = 0.047) and less active transportation (P<0.001). Adolescents of various weight status differed significantly in their leisure-time PA (P<0.001), moderate-intensity PA (P = 0.011) and total PA (P = 0.033).ConclusionsThe patterns and levels of physical activity among adolescents in Nigeria vary according to the adolescents’ age, gender, weight status and SES. These findings have important public health implications for identifying subgroups of Nigerian adolescents that should be targeted for effective physical activity promoting interventions.

Results From Nigeria’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

“…The change was necessitated by new evidence that was reported for a group of Nigerian adolescents. 15 While it was reported in earlier studies that about 30%-75% of children and youth in Nigeria continue to engage in different forms of PA, [12][13][14][15] according to the current data, 15 only 37% of a representative sample of 1006 secondary school adolescents in urban northeastern Nigeria appear to meet the international guidelines of engaging in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily, based on self-reported PA. 15 Active Play and Leisure: C Active Play and Leisure was assigned a grade of C, which showed a slight improvement over the C-in the 2013 Nigerian Report Card. As previously observed, the proportion of active play and leisure PA among Nigerian children and youth varied between 12% and 70%.…”

“…16 But a new study utilizing self-reported PA data indicates that secondary school adolescents in urban northeastern Nigeria, on average, spent about 1 hour daily in active play and leisure (about 11% of daily PA). 15 The availability of this new evidence 15 that documented the amount of time spent on active play by children earned the indicator a slight increase in grade from C-to a C. Evidence is available that among Nigerian children and youth, active play and leisure is influenced by gender and socioeconomic disparities. Boys from families with high socioeconomic status are more likely to engage in active play and leisure than their peers from low socioeconomic status.…”

The Associations Between Socioeconomic Status and Lifestyle Factors in European Adolescents: A Population-based Study

“…One previous study showed positive associations between SES indicators (mother's education level and type of school) and physical activity (which was defined as participating in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity >300 min/week) [13]. Another study conducted on Nigerian adolescents reported, that leisure-time physical activity, active transportation, moderate-intensity activity and total physical activity were associated with higher SES [38]. Moreover, one study also showed the same results, where participants who participated in at least 60 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, were categorized in the highest socioeconomic class.…”

Deslocamento Passivo Para Escola E Fatores Associados Em Adolescentes

“…Tem sido demonstrado que rapazes são mais ativos que moças em diversos contextos da atividade física 24,25 . Similar ao verificado neste estudo, moças nigerianas também foram menos ativas no deslocamento que rapazes, mas não apenas nesse domínio, elas também foram menos ativas para atividade física no lazer e total 24 .…”

“…Similar ao verificado neste estudo, moças nigerianas também foram menos ativas no deslocamento que rapazes, mas não apenas nesse domínio, elas também foram menos ativas para atividade física no lazer e total 24 . Resultado similar foi identificado em estudo com adolescentes alemães para padrões de atividade física, por domínio, utilizando-se de acelerometria 25 .…”