Abstract
BackgroundRegular physical activity reduces the risk of ischaemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and breast and colon cancer. But, adolescents are insufficiently physically active. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess self- reported physical activity status and associated factors among adolescents in Debre Birhan town, Ethiopia.MethodsSchool based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 20 to May 10/2019 in Debre Berhan town Secondary schools. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 580 study participants from three secondary schools. Physical activity was assessed using questions adopted from recreation, sport, and leisure-time physical activity assessment section of international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). Adolescents who have done moderate to vigorous exercise for 60 minutes per day for at least three days in the last seven days were categorized as physically active. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done. Probability value less than 0.05 was used as a cut of point to determined statistically significant association.ResultA total of 580 students participated in this study. Less than 1 in 5 (17.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 14.13%-20.27%) students were physically active. Male student (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.63, 95%CI = 1.5–4.59), age less than or equal to 16 (AOR: 2.04, 95% CI = 1.12–3.71) and access to sports center (gymnasium) (AOR: 2.09, 95% CI = 1.12–3.89 were positively associated with physical activity.ConclusionPhysical activity status was very low. Therefore, the local, regional and national administrators in collaboration with sport and health offices administrators should make facilities accessible.
Highlights
Physical activity is defined as bodily movement due to contraction of skeletal muscles
Male student (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.63, 95%CI = 1.5–4.59), age less than or equal to 16 (AOR: 2.04, 95% CI = 1.12–3.71) and access to sports center
Two hundred ninety-nine (51%) of the family had more than 4800 Ethiopian Birr of average monthly income (Table 1)
Summary
Physical activity is defined as bodily movement due to contraction of skeletal muscles. It includes exercise, sport, active play and walking [1, 2]. 81% of adolescents are insufficiently physically active and this contributes to 3.2 million deaths each year [7]. In Ethiopia alone, non-communicable diseases claimed 34% of all deaths in the year 2008 and rise to 40% in the year 2014 [10]. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of ischaemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and breast and colon cancer. This study was aimed to assess self- reported physical activity status and associated factors among adolescents in Debre Birhan town, Ethiopia.
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