Proportion of School Attending Adolescents Meeting the Recommended Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Level and Its Predictors in Lagos, Nigeria

Busola Adebusoye,Revati Phalkey,Kaushik Chattopadhyay,Jo Leonardi-Bee

doi:10.3390/ijerph182010744

Abstract

We aimed to assess the proportion of school attending adolescents who reached the recommended moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) level in Lagos State, Nigeria, as well as the predictors associated with it. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 720 adolescents aged 12–19 years from 20 schools in Lagos State in 2020. MVPA level was assessed using the Activity Questionnaire for Adults and Adolescents. Predictors assessed were socio-demographic variables, anthropometric measurements, sedentary behaviour, self-efficacy, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers. Complete data was provided by 528 adolescents for the study (73% response rate). The recommended MVPA level was reached by 82.8% (95% CI 79.3–85.7) of the participants. Participants spent a median time of 44 (IQR 12.9, 110) minutes of MVPA per day on household-based activities, followed by school-based activities (21.4; 4.3, 50.4), active transportation (14.3; 0, 35), sport-based activities (8.6; 0, 58.9) and leisure-based activities (8.6; 1.1, 34.3). Participants in public schools were four times more likely to meet the recommended MVPA level compared to those in private schools (OR 3.97, 95% CI 2.46–6.42). A high proportion of school adolescents met the recommended MVPA level in Lagos State, Nigeria. Our study suggests that interventions for promoting MVPA should be targeted to private schools.

Highlights

Following the model building strategy, the only significant predictor was school type, where participants who attended a public school were 3.97 times more likely to meet the recommended moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) level compared to those in private schools
This study presents the proportion of school attending adolescents who reached the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended MVPA level in Lagos State, Nigeria
We assessed the independent effect of various predictors on MVPA level, we found the type of school was the only significant predictor, where adolescents in public schools were more likely to reach the recommended MVPA level compared to those in private schools

Summary

Introduction

MVPA helps adolescents to develop and maintain healthy musculoskeletal tissues, cardiovascular systems and body weight [1]. It improves their mental health by reducing depression, anxiety and stress [1]. It improves their academic achievements and overall quality of life [2,3]. It assists in their social development by providing opportunities for self-expression, improving self-confidence, social interactions and integration [4]

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