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Physical Activity and Related Factors in Pre-Adolescent Southern African Children of Diverse Population Groups

Author

Listed:
  • Adeline Pretorius

    (Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Arcadia 0007, South Africa
    Department of Consumer and Food Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa)

  • Paola Wood

    (Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Arcadia 0007, South Africa)

  • Piet Becker

    (Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Arcadia 0007, South Africa)

  • Friede Wenhold

    (Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Arcadia 0007, South Africa)

Abstract

Tailored obesity management includes understanding physical activity (PA) and its context, ideally in childhood before the onset of health risk. This cross-sectional study determined, by sex and population, the PA of Southern African pre-adolescent urban primary school children. PA was measured objectively (step count: pedometer) and subjectively (Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children [PAQ-C]), taking confounders (phenotype, school-built environment, and socio-economic environment) into account. Body composition was measured with multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (Seca mBCA). PA was adjusted for phenotypic confounders (body size and composition) using multivariate regression. Sex and population differences in PA were determined with two-way ANOVA. Ninety-four healthy pre-adolescents (60% girls, 52% black) with a similar socio-economic status and access to PA participated. Amidst phenotypic differences, average steps/day in girls (10,212) was lower than in boys (11,433) ( p = 0.029), and lower in black (9280) than in white (12,258) ( p < 0.001) participants. PAQ-C scores (5-point rating) were lower for girls (2.63) than boys (2.92) ( p < 0.001) but higher for black (2.89) than white (2.58) ( p < 0.001) participants. Objective and subjective measurements were, however, not significantly (r = −0.02; p = 0.876) related and PAQ-C failed to identify reactive changes in the step count. Objectively measured PA of black participants and of girls was consistently lower than for white participants and boys. Target-group specific interventions should therefore be considered.

Suggested Citation

  • Adeline Pretorius & Paola Wood & Piet Becker & Friede Wenhold, 2022. "Physical Activity and Related Factors in Pre-Adolescent Southern African Children of Diverse Population Groups," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:16:p:9912-:d:885658
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stella K. Muthuri & Lucy-Joy M. Wachira & Allana G. Leblanc & Claire E. Francis & Margaret Sampson & Vincent O. Onywera & Mark S. Tremblay, 2014. "Temporal Trends and Correlates of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Physical Fitness among School-Aged Children in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-33, March.
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