Physical activity profile of urbanized Rwandan women

Abstract

It is estimated that by 2020 chronic diseases of lifestyle will be almost 50% of the burden of disease in Sub-Saharan Africa. Rapid urbanization with changes in lifestyle, such as physical activity patterns could explain at least partially the ongoing epidemiological transition. The purpose of this study was to assess levels of participation in physical activity among working Rwandan women in Kigali, in relation to socio-economic demographic characteristics. A cross-sectional study design using quantitative methods was used. Participants' level of participation in physical activity and influence of socio-economic demographic factors on physical activity participation, were measured using a self-administered questionnaire adapted from Sub-Saharan African Questionnaire. Data analysis, using Statistical analysis version 8e, was used to obtain frequency tables and histograms. There were 352 participants, with a mean age of 33.4 years. 72% of the participants were classified as sedentary and only 28% of the participants were classified as physically active. Participation in physical activity decreased with age, and there were more participants classified as sedentary in the married group (77%) than in non-married group (63%). There was an association between a lower level of education and income, and a higher level of participation in physical activity.

Key words: Physical activity, sedentary life style, chronic diseases of life style, women, Rwanda.

AJPHERD Vol.11(1) 2005: 59-67