Prevalence of Meeting Recommended Physical Activity Levels Among Children in Rural Areas

Abstract

Background: Physical activity in children is crucial for their overall health, yet many fail to meet recommended levels, especially in rural areas. Understanding the factors influencing activity levels is essential for developing effective interventions.

Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence and correlates of achieving recommended physical activity levels among children aged 5-14 years in rural areas near Lahore, Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 564 children using stratified random sampling. Physical activity was measured with accelerometers, and data on socio-demographic factors, transportation modes, and leisure activities were collected through structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression.

Results: Most children engaged in active transport to school (68%), and 76% participated in leisure-time physical activity for more than one hour per day. However, 54% of children also displayed sedentary behavior exceeding two hours per day. Factors such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, and mode of transportation significantly correlated with physical activity levels.

Conclusion: The study highlights a substantial engagement in physical activity among rural children in Lahore, moderated by socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. Tailored public health strategies and infrastructure improvements are essential to enhance physical activity and reduce sedentary lifestyles in this population.

Keywords: Physical Activity, Children, Rural Health, Lahore, Socio-Economic Factors, Sedentary Behavior