Developing a model for promoting physical fitness and healthy lifestyle of primary school learners in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Gomwe, Howard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Physical fitness for children -- South Africa Physical education for children Schools -- Health promotion services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10050 , vital:35307
- Description: The challenge of low level participation in physical activity and, consequently, limited physical fitness has been acknowledged as being a national public health concern in South African schools. The main aim of this study was to develop a behavioural model for promoting physical fitness and healthy lifestyle of primary school learners in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The first thing was to determine their physical fitness level and body composition then develop a behavioural model based on the findings. The study was conducted in three phases. A quantitative, qualitative and theory-generating research design was conducted using questionnaires, deductive and inductive strategies and literature triangulation. The study involved primary school learners: 356 boys and 520 girls aged 9-14 years old, who were randomly selected. Anthropometric assessments were conducted using ISAK (Marfell-Jones et al., 2006) and EUROFIT (1988) test batteries.The following measurements of body mass, stature, skinfolds (triceps and subscapular), waist circumference and gluteal were taken. The percent BF was calculated from a sum of two skinfolds (triceps and subscapular), using Slaughter et al.‘ s (1988) equation to predict body fat. Physical fitness measurements included sit and reach, push-ups, sit-ups and a 20 metre shuttle run. Physical activity level and sedentary behaviour were assessed by means of self-report questionnaires. Demographic, psychological and environmental variables were also measured by a self-report questionnaire. Six focus group discussions were conducted with school learners. The physical fitness levels were categorized as hypoactive, minimal active and inactive. Sedentary behaviours were categorized by number of minutes spent on sedentary activities. Dietary intake was assessed by a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Food intake was classified as healthy, unhealthy/junk and traditional food. Body composition was measured by calculating body mass index (BMI) (weight/height2) and waist-to-hip ratio, respectively. Categories: underweight: 0<18, normal weight: 18, 5<25, overweight: 25<30 or obese: 30 and blood pressure measurements were classified as healthy and unhealthy. The main findings were as follows: underweight 60, 25 percent: normal weight 30, 54 percent: overweight 4, 18 percent: and obese 5, 02 percent: for the peri-urban school learners. Underweight 64, 78 percent: normal 31, 52 percent: overweight 2,83 percent: and obesity 0,87 percent:for the rural school learners. 56,25 percent underweight: 36,93 percent normal weight: 5,68 percent overweight: and 1,14 percent obese for the urban school learners. The mean body mass of learners from three locations were urban 40.0±10.185; peri-urban 39.8±10.181 and rural 38.7±10.279, respectively. (Chi-square = 3.3107; P=0.191). The mean values stature of all the three residences are urban; 144.1 ±10.400 peri-urban 144.4±9.187 and rural 143.7±12.617 (Chi-square = 1.2651; P=0.5312). The mean waist circumference for urban was (78.4±9.493), peri-urban (78.4±9.399) and rural was (77.1±10.214), respectively (Z=2.474;p=0.2903). The triceps value (z=21.4565p <.0001). Urban (13.9±5.589), (12.5±6.023) for peri-urban and (12.1±6.390) for rural. Subscapular (z=4.1151;p=0.1278). Urban area had (9.3±5.426), (9.3±5.463) for peri-urban and (8.9±6.381) for rural. The mean systolic blood pressure of urban school learners was (109.2±19.512), (107.9±19.273) for peri-urban and (107.4±19.488) for rural school learners. Lumbar and hamstring flexibility (z= 57.733; p<.0001). (25.3±5.507) for urban, (23.0±6.435) for peri-urban and (26.9±6.854) for rural. Sit-up (z=9.8414;p=0.0073). (18.3±12.571) for urban, (19.7±12.323) for peri-urban and (21.7±13.782) for rural area. Push-ups (z= 37.7591p=<.00001). (15.8±10.285) for urban, (18.5±11.086) for peri-urban and (20.9±9.981) for rural area. Maximal oxygen intake (z= 163.186p=<.0001). (25.0±6.454) for urban, (29.9±7.225) for peri-urban and (35.5±11.085) for rural area. PA enjoyment (4.1±0.698) for urban, (4.0±0.764) for peri-urban, (4.0±0.799) for rural. With regard to health-related physical fitness, the learners in the rural and peri-urban better than those in urban areas. PA attitude (z=7.5507;p=0.0563), (2.5±0.792) for urban area, (2.6±0.802) for peri-urban and (2.7±0.890) for rural area. Parental role modelling in PA (z=0.3083; p=<.000). (3.1±1.008) for urban area, (3.3±0.916) for peri-urban (3.1±0.981) for rural area. Peer encouragement (z=2.5367; p=0.2813) (3.4±0.893) for urban, (3.3±1.064) for peri-urban, (3.3±1.005) for rural area. Parental encouragement (z= 7.2266p=0.027),(3.7±0.985) for urban area, (3.5±0.906) for peri-urban and (3.7±0.774 ) for rural area. Teacher encouragement (z=2.0069p=0.3668).The mean values for three residences are (3.5±0.802) for urban area, (3.4±0.784) for peri-urban, (3.5±0.733) for rural areas. Most of the school learners in all the three residences prefer unhealthy/junky food. Based on the results, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted on data to identify and analyse the factors for model development. The findings indicated that there is evidence of low level of physical fitness and high prevalence of excessive weight and obesity among primary school learners, the study, therefore, suggests the development of the behavioural model to enhance physical fitness and prevent or reduce overweight/obesity among school learners.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Children's attitudes towards physical education in selected urban primary schools in Mutare - Zimbabwe
- Authors: Gomwe, Howard
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Physical education and training -- Zimbabwe , Physical education for children -- Zimbabwe , School children -- Zimbabwe , Exercise for children -- Zimbabwe , Curriculum planning -- Zimbabwe , Primary schools -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (HMS)
- Identifier: vital:11540 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/527 , Physical education and training -- Zimbabwe , Physical education for children -- Zimbabwe , School children -- Zimbabwe , Exercise for children -- Zimbabwe , Curriculum planning -- Zimbabwe , Primary schools -- Zimbabwe
- Description: The aim of the study was to evaluate school children’s attitudes towards Physical Education in selected Mutare city schools. In order for the children to benefit from the Physical Education program, the study hypothesized that children must develop the right attitudes towards Physical Education. This observation has also been emphasized in other studies that children, who possess the right attitude towards Physical Education, develop positive attitudes towards physical activities. This suggestion has also been reported by Portman, (2003) and McKenzie (2003) that one of the benefits of Physical Education is sustained participation in physical activities outside the school. This study involved 400 children from Mutare Junior, Chancellor, Zamba, Dangamvura, Sakubva, Chikanga, Mutanda and Murahwa Primary Schools in Mutare city. The children’s age ranged between 12 - 14 years old. The primary data were collected from questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions, while secondary data were based on related literature review. The results indicated that the teacher, curriculum content and delivery, the learning environment, siblings, type of school, location of residences, proximity of facilities and support from parents were some of the factors associated with children’s attitudes towards Physical Education and Physical Activity at school and home respectively. In many ways, these factors affected children’s sustainable participation in physical activities after school.
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- Date Issued: 2012