Factors Associated with Physical Activity in South Africa: Evidence from a National Population Based Survey

Mlangeni, Lungelo; Makola, Lehlogonolo; Naidoo, Inbarani; Chibi, Buyisile; Sokhela, Zinhle; Silimfe, Z.; Mabaso, Musawenkosi

doi:10.2174/1874944501811010516

Cited by 30 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…The most activities performed were of light intensity, as only a few of the pregnant women participate in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity. This finding mirrors an earlier nationally representative population-based survey of 26,339 individuals, in which less than half of South Africans were moderately or vigorously physically active [52]. Our finding is consistent with other previous studies in South Africa [17,39], which reported 76.9% and 80.0% prevalence rates of household chores and walking, respectively.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Physical Activity Level during Pregnancy in South Africa: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Okafor

Goon

2020

IJERPH

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Physical activity participation during pregnancy confers many maternal and foetal health benefits to the woman and her infant and is recommended by various health bodies and institutions. However, in South Africa, scant information exists about the physical activity status and its determinants among pregnant women. The aim of this study was to assess the physical activity level and associated factors among pregnant women. This cross-sectional study enrolled 1082 pregnant women attending public health facilities in Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Information on socio-demographic and maternal characteristics were obtained, and the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity during pregnancy. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between physical activity and the predictor variables during pregnancy. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were applied to estimate factors associated with physical activity levels. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Only 278 of the women (25.7%) met recommendations for prenatal activity (≥150 min moderate intensity exercise per week). The average time spent in moderate–vigorous physical activity was 151.6 min (95% CI: 147.2–156.0). Most of the women participated in light exercises with a mean of 65.9% (95% CI: 64.8–67.0), and 47.6% (95% CI: 46.3–48.9) participated in household activities. The majority of the women did not receive physical activity advice during prenatal care sessions (64.7%). Factors negatively associated with prenatal physical activity were lower age (<19 years) (adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 0.3; CI: 0.16–0.76), semi-urban residence (AOR = 0.8; CI: 0.55–1.03), lower educational level (AOR = 0.5; CI: 0.20–0.71), unemployment (AOR = 0.5; CI: 0.29–0.77) and nulliparity (AOR = 0.6; CI: 0.28–1.31). However, prenatal physical activity was positively associated with starting physical activity in the first trimester (AOR = 1.9; CI: 1.06–3.31) compared to other trimesters. The findings of this study demonstrated low levels of physical activity during pregnancy in South Africa. The majority of women did not meet the recommendation of 150 min of moderate intensity activity per week. Light intensity and household activities were the most preferred form of activity. The factors affecting physical activity of women in this present study include lower age, semi-urban setting, low educational level, unemployment and nulliparity. In order to increase activity levels, future work should seek to improve knowledge, access and support for physical activity in pregnant women in South Africa. This should include education and advocacy regarding physical activity for professionals involved in maternal health provision.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Physical Activity Level during Pregnancy in South Africa: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Okafor

Goon

2020

IJERPH

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“…Similar to the explanation provided in another study [16], the explanatory variables used were sociodemographic and behavioural factors. For characterisation of socio-demographics, age was grouped into two categories namely: 15 to 19 years and 20 to 24 years.…”

Section: Explanatory Variablesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predictors of contraceptive use among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15 to 24 years in South Africa: results from the 2012 national population-based household survey

et al. 2019

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Background: Despite a variety of contraceptives being available for women in South Africa, a considerable number of adolescent girls and young women still face challenges in using them. This paper examines socio-demographic and behavioral predictors of using contraceptives among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15 to 24 years.Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted based on the 2012 population-based nationally representative multi-stage stratified cluster randomised household survey. Multivariate backward stepwise logistic regression model was used to examine socio-demographic and behavioural factors independently associated with contraceptive use amongst AGYW aged 15 to 24 years in South Africa.Results: Out of 1460 AGYW, 78% (CI: 73.9-81.7) reported using some form of contraceptives. In the model, contraceptive use was significantly associated with secondary education [OR = 1.8 (1.2-2.7), p = 0.005], having a sexual partner within 5 years of their age [OR = 1.8 (1.2-2.5), p = 0.002], and sexual debut at age 15 years and older [OR = 2.5 (1.3-4.6), p = 0.006]. The likelihood of association decreased with other race groups-White, Coloured, and Indians/Asians [OR = 0.5 (0.3-0.7), p = 0.001], being married [OR = 0.4 (0.2-0.7), p = 0.001], never given birth [OR = 0.7 (0.5-0.9), p = 0.045], coming from rural informal [OR = 0.5 (0.3-0.9), p = 0.010] and rural formal settlements [OR = 0.5 (0.3-0.9), p = 0.020]. Conclusions: Evidence suggest that interventions should be tailor-made to meet the needs of AGYW in order to, promote use and access to contraceptives. The results also suggest that family planning interventions should target those who had not given birth in order to reduce unplanned and or unintended pregnancies and associated risk factors. These findings contribute to public health discourse and reproductive health planning for these age groups in the country.

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“…Few studies have focused on PA in older adults in LMICs, and fewer still have focused on South Africa. Reported levels of South African adults’ PA has ranged between 31.0% of adults older than 50 years being ‘physically active’ (defined in the paper as being moderately or vigorously active, based on two adapted questions in a national survey) [ 7 ] to 50% meeting PA guidelines (defined as doing >150 min/week of moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA), based on a limited sample of adults aged above 60 years in care homes [ 8 ]. One small pilot study conducted in South Africa found that the socioeconomic status, traffic, and features of the built environment were associated with objectively measured PA levels in older people [ 9 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…One small pilot study conducted in South Africa found that the socioeconomic status, traffic, and features of the built environment were associated with objectively measured PA levels in older people [ 9 ]. Three studies have examined rural adult populations in South Africa to date, the first of which enrolled young to middle-aged adults [ 10 ], the second specified ‘community-dwelling’ older adults, but included both urban and rural adults over 50 [ 11 ], and the third included participants aged from 18 years [ 7 ]. Correlates of not meeting PA guidelines in older adults include pain, slow gait, and low grip strength [ 11 ]; while in the national survey study, physical inactivity was higher in individuals aged above 50 years, female, with at least one chronic medical condition and from rural settlements [ 7 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Self-Reported Physical Activity in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Rural South Africa: Levels and Correlates

Tomaz

Davies

Micklesfield

et al. 2020

IJERPH

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Little is known about physical activity (PA) levels and correlates in adults from rural settings in South Africa, where a rapid increase in the number of older people and marked disparities in wealth are evident, particularly between those living in rural and urban areas. This paper describes levels of self-reported PA in rural South African men and women and examines factors associated with meeting PA guidelines. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) data from the Health and Aging in Africa: Longitudinal studies of INDEPTH communities (HAALSI) survey of 5059 adults aged over 40 years were assessed. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess socio-demographic, functional and cognitive capacity, and chronic disease measures associated with PA. In addition, 75.4% (n = 3421) of the participants with valid GPAQ data (n = 4538 of 5059) met the PA guidelines. Factors associated with not the meeting PA guidelines were being male, over the age of 80 years, being in a higher wealth category, obesity, and poorer functional capacity. These findings highlight worthwhile targets for future interventions to maintain or improve PA levels in this population and suggest that intervening earlier within this age range (from 40 years) may be crucial to prevent the ‘spiral of decline’ that characterizes the frailty syndrome.

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Factors Associated with Physical Activity in South Africa: Evidence from a National Population Based Survey

Cited by 30 publications

References 30 publications

Physical Activity Level during Pregnancy in South Africa: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Physical Activity Level during Pregnancy in South Africa: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Predictors of contraceptive use among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15 to 24 years in South Africa: results from the 2012 national population-based household survey

Self-Reported Physical Activity in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Rural South Africa: Levels and Correlates

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