Assessment of Physical Activity Practices among Secondary School Students in Kakamega County, Kenya DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajhs.v38i2.11

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity is the bodily movement that involves the skeletal muscles, and it is beneficial in human development and growth. Lack of physical activity may indirectly expose one to certain health ailments, such as non-communicable diseases, which may lead to death. Secondary school students are among the 81% of children who do not meet the recommendation for moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels. This study aimed to assess physical activity practices among secondary school students in Kakamega County.

Methods: A Descriptive survey was used with a sample size of 412 students aged 14 to 18 years. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire in line with the study aim, then coded and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 25.0).

Results: There were more males, 194 (47.1%), compared to females, 218 (52.9%), and most of the students were in the second form, 176 (42.7%), most of whom, 110 (26.7%), were 17 years of age. The majority, 54.1% participated in physical activity, with 104 (25.2%) engaging in it 3-4 times per week. There were no significant differences (t (438) = -0.338, p=0.734) between scores for males (M=2.17, SD=0.690) and females (M=2.23, SD=0.728). With a mean difference of r=0.054, 95% CI: -0.188 to 0.081).

Conclusion and recommendations: The majority of the students participated in physical activity, with most of them participating in ball games. Consequently, there is a need for more awareness and advocacy to promote physical activity practices among secondary school students.