Abstract
Physical activity levels among adolescents decline during their teenage years and into early adulthood. Socio-economic background plays an important role in adolescents’ physical activity, as children from rural communities participate less regularly in physical activities due to a lack of access to facilities, the cost of programmes and in general due to limited facilities. The focus of public health researchers has shifted from individual motivational theories on the participation in physical activity to the ecological theory, which includes the effects of community environments on health matters. Significant differences prevail in physical activity participation patterns in various geographical areas and different demographic groups. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to assess the access to facilities in a semi-urban area and the physical activity levels of high school pupils. 155 high school pupils from Bophelong, a semi-urban area in the Gauteng province, voluntarily and anonymously completed questionnaires regarding their physical activity participation, accessibility of stores, recreational facilities and other important structures within their neighbourhood. Results indicated that pupils from a low socio-economic community had limited access to facilities such as parks, recreation centres, gymnasia and fitness centres, which are known to induce physical activity. Pupils actively commuted considerable distances daily to and from school, contributing substantially to their overall physical activity. Participation of the minority in school sport was evident, but apart from walking and inadequate school sport participation, few opportunities existed for adolescents from this semi-urban high school to engage in moderate recreational physical activities. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p905
Highlights
Regular physical activity is important for the maintenance and enhancement of general health such as the improvement of psychological health, the maintenance of healthy bones, muscles and joints, and is a contributing factor of weight control (Pate et al, 1999; Jackson, Morrow, Hill & Dishman, 2004)
Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study was to assess the accessibility of stores, schools, recreational and other important structures in Bophelong, a semi-urban area and the physical activity levels of high school pupils in the area
This study indicates that more than half the high school pupils do not comply with these guidelines, especially with regard to recreational activities, activities in the community and games
Summary
Regular physical activity is important for the maintenance and enhancement of general health such as the improvement of psychological health, the maintenance of healthy bones, muscles and joints, and is a contributing factor of weight control (Pate et al, 1999; Jackson, Morrow, Hill & Dishman, 2004). Sallis and Patrick (1994) distinguished two guidelines for physical activity, as determined during the International Consensus Conference on Physical Activity Guidelines for Adolescents held in San Diego in 1993. These guidelines, first, state that all adolescents should be physically active on a daily basis by participating in sport, games, walking, recreation, physical education or organised activities within the family, school or community. Adolescents should participate in approximately 20 minutes of moderate to high-intensity exercises, three or more times a week They should strive to achieve participation of 20 minutes of low- to moderate-intensity (aerobic) exercise three times a week, and be active on all or most days of the week for at least 30 to 60 minutes (Sallis & Patrick, 1994)
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