Socio-Demographic and Psychological Determinants of Leisure Time Physical Activity Among Adolescents in Nigeria

Abstract

<p>Despite the numerous benefits associated with leisure time physical activity (LTPA), it is quite worrisome that the habit of regularly engaging in LTPA is rare among Nigerians, especially among adolescents who are found in myriads of sedentary lifestyle behaviour as a result of technological and economical advancement. The present study examined socio-demographic and psychological determinants of LTPA among adolescents in Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted and multistage sampling technique was employed to recruit 1200 adolescents (Male =59.7%; Female =40.3%; Age: 10-19years) from twelve secondary schools in Southwest States, Nigeria. Physical Activity Self-Efficacy for Adolescent (PASE), The Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS), Activity Questionnaire for Adults and Adolescents (AQuAA) and Self-developed Socio-demographic Questionnaire were used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using statistics of frequency count, percentages & Multiple Regression. The result of the study showed that socio-demographic (F(8,1191) = 4.980; p< .05; R2 = .28) accounting for 28% of its variance and psychological factors (F (2,1197) =31014.342, p< .05; R2 = .99) accounting for 99% of its variance) were significant. Based on the findings, adolescents in Southwest states in Nigeria do not meet the World Health Organization recommendations on physical activity. Both socio-demographic and psychological factors significantly determined LTPA and these factors could be taken into account in the development of interventions to increase LTPA levels throughout the life course among adolescents in Nigeria. </p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0852/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

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“…Studies have shown that fulfilling BPNs increases individuals' impetus to engage in PA with greater commitment and determination, which in turn promotes overall well-being and active lifestyles in various countries , Gholidahaneh et al 2020). While most of the studies on PA in Nigeria have focused on sociodemographic, personal, physical, psychological, and environmental factors that influence and associate with PA among different populations, especially among adolescents (Oluwasanu and Oladepo 2017, Oguntuase et al 2021, Adeniyi et al 2016, Adeniyi et al 2011, Ugwueze et al 2021, there is no evidence of a study on BPNs predicting PA participation among young adults in Nigeria. Therefore, this study investigates basic psychological needs predicting physical activity participation among young adults in Nigeria.…”