Levels and Determinants of Physical Activity among Students in Public Boarding Secondary Schools in Nairobi City County, Kenya
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Date
2021
Authors
Ngahu, Lydiah Nduta
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
kenyatta University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to establish the levels and factors that determine
physical activity (PA) among adolescents in public boarding secondary schools in
Nairobi City County. The study was guided by the following objectives; establish PA
levels and determinants of PA, assess the relationship between PA levels across sociodemographic
characteristics of students and environmental profile of schools in
Nairobi City County and moderating influence of PA determinants on relationship
between environmental profile and PA levels. Schools were stratified as National,
Extra-County and County schools; and further tabulated based on gender and level of
study. Schools were randomly selected from every stratum such that, there was equal
representation from boys’ and girls’ schools in every stratum. Using Fisher’s formula,
a sample size of 408 students was obtained from the targetted population of 40,200
students aged 14-17 years in this study. Simple random sampling method was used to
obtain the respondents in the study. The validated International Physical Activity
Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to determine levels of PA; while determinants of
physical activity were established using the Determinant Physical Activity
Questionnaire (DPAQ). A checklist was also used to collect information about status
of equipment, facilities and schools PA co-curricular policy. Physical activity data
were coded and organized for analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS) version 20.0 at the significant level of 0.05. Chi-square was used to determine
the relationship between PA levels across school environmental profiles and students
demographic characteristics. The one way ANOVA was used to compare PA levels
across environmental profile of public secondary schools while pearson product
moment correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to measure influence
of PA determinants on the relationship between the environmental profile of school
and PA levels. Results were presented as frequency counts, percentages, and in tables,
charts and graphs. Most students (61.1%) were found to engage in PA of between
601-3000 METs, while 74.4% of students were moderately active achieving 1680
METs/min/week. Below half of the students (47.6%) achieved 2520 METs/min/week
of the recommended PA of MVPA. A large proportion (73.9%) of students reported
sitting for over seven hours and 31 minutes daily. Six determinants assessed facilitates
PA such as environmental PA resources, motivation and goals while five determinants
were barriers such as knowledge on current PA recommendation, social influence.
Demographic characteristics of students such as gender (χ2 =35.44, p≤0.001) and
school status (χ2 =21.47, p≤0.001) had a significant influence on PA levels as well as
school environmental profile (F(2,388)=20.489, p≤0.001). There was a significant
correlation between PA levels and school environmental profile (r=0.406, p=0.000)
as well as PA determinants (r=0.183, p=0.000). The study concludes that gender,
school status, environmental profile of schools and determinants of PA influence
engagement in PA, determining levels of PA. The study recommends that girls,
County schools, schools with poor environmental profiles, as well as barrier
determinants of PA, be targetted and promoted to increase PA participation to achieve
recommended MVPA levels of activity. In order to promote PA, the study strongly
suggests that both, students and teachers, be made aware about the current minimal
PA recommendations. In addition, it is also recommended that tailor-made
progammes be developed based on the students’ needs and daily routines. The study
recommends that similar studies be conducted among students in public day
secondary schools, as well as students in private secondary schools for comparison
purposes.
Description
Department of Physical Education, Exercise and Sport Science A Research Thesis Submitted In Partial Fulfillment For The Award Of The Degree Of Master Of Science (Physical Education) In The School Of Public Health And Applied Human Sciences At Kenyatta University,June, 2021
Keywords
Levels, Determinants, Physical Activity, Students, Public Boarding Secondary Schools, Nairobi City County, Kenya