The Influence of Access to Facilities on the Physical Activity Level of High School Pupils in Bophelong, a Semi-Urban Area of South Africa

Abstract

Physical activity levels among adolescents decline during their teenage years and into early adulthood. Socio-economic background plays an important role in adolescents’ physical activity, as children from rural communities participate less regularly in physical activities due to a lack of access to facilities, the cost of programmes and in general due to limited facilities. The focus of public health researchers has shifted from individual motivational theories on the participation in physical activity to the ecological theory, which includes the effects of community environments on health matters. Significant differences prevail in physical activity participation patterns in various geographical areas and different demographic groups. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to assess the access to facilities in a semi-urban area and the physical activity levels of high school pupils. 155 high school pupils from Bophelong, a semi-urban area in the Gauteng province, voluntarily and anonymously completed questionnaires regarding their physical activity participation, accessibility of stores, recreational facilities and other important structures within their neighbourhood. Results indicated that pupils from a low socio-economic community had limited access to facilities such as parks, recreation centres, gymnasia and fitness centres, which are known to induce physical activity. Pupils actively commuted considerable distances daily to and from school, contributing substantially to their overall physical activity. Participation of the minority in school sport was evident, but apart from walking and inadequate school sport participation, few opportunities existed for adolescents from this semi-urban high school to engage in moderate recreational physical activities.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p905