SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION IN NIGERIAN CHILDREN AND YOUTH

INTRODUCTION: Given the serious consequences of physically inactive lifestyle and the global commitment to Prevention and Control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the need to improve the surveillance of physical activity and active transport in children and youth is a top priority globally. However, compared to the developed countries, there is paucity of data in this context in the African region. This study reviewed existing information and available evidence on physical activity and active transportation among children and youth in Nigeria.

METHODS: A 9-member panel of experts reviewed all available journal publications, graduate students’ theses/dissertations, and literature from State and Federal agencies published between 1990 and 2013 for scientific evidence on physical activity and active transportation of children and youth (5-25 years) in Nigeria.   

RESULTS: While only 7 published literature were found on Nigerian children’s and youth’s physical activity, only two literature exist on children’s active transportation patterns. About 30%- 75% of Nigerian children engaged in some form of daily physical activity but not at a level sufficient for health benefits. Evidence of gender disparity in physical activity levels was found, with boys being more physically active than girls (5%-30% differentials). Active transportation to school was a common mode of transportation and 90.4% of children and youth in semi-urban areas of Nigeria spent more than 30 minutes walking to school daily. Children and youth in the rural areas (80%) spent more time walking to school daily than their counterparts in the urban areas (46.5% - 52.4%).

CONCLUSIONS: Current physical activity levels of Nigerian Children and youth in Nigeria may not be sufficient to impact health benefits and interventions. Evidence of active transportation transition among children and youth in urban areas of Nigeria could have implications for population level intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour, increase physical activity and reduce pollution.