Changes in Self-Reported Physical Activity Predict Health-Related Quality of Life Among South African Schoolchildren: Findings From the DASH Intervention Trial

Frontiers in Public Health

Rosa du Randt¹  Danielle Smith¹  Siphesihle Nqweniso¹  Larissa Adams¹  Cheryl Walter¹  Uwe Pühse²  Harald Seelig²  Markus Gerber²  Stefanie Gall²  Ivan Müller³  Peter Steinmann⁴  Nandi Joubert⁴  Jürg Utzinger⁴ 

[1] Department of Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa;Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland;Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland;University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland;

关键词: intervention;    mental health;    physical activity;    psychosocial well-being;    schoolchildren;    South Africa;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpubh.2020.492618

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Introduction: Regular physical activity is associated with multiple health benefits for children. Evidence from cross-sectional studies suggests that physical activity is positively associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The promotion of physical activity, and hence HRQoL, through a school-based intervention is therefore an important endeavor, particularly in disadvantaged areas of low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa.Methods: We designed a multicomponent physical activity intervention that was implemented over a 20-week period in 2015 in eight disadvantaged primary schools of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Overall, 758 children aged 8–13 years participated. HRQoL was measured with the 27-item KIDSCREEN questionnaire. Self-reported physical activity was assessed with a single item of the Health-Behavior of School-Aged Children test, and cardiorespiratory fitness with the 20-m shuttle run test. Post-intervention scores were predicted with mixed linear regression models, taking into consideration the clustered nature of the data.Results: Higher baseline levels as well as increasing levels of self-reported physical activity predicted all dimensions of children's HRQoL. Baseline levels and increases in cardiorespiratory fitness predicted children's self-perceived physical well-being (one of the HRQoL subscales). Participation in the multicomponent physical activity intervention did not affect children's HRQoL.Conclusion: Higher and increasing self-reported physical activity predict all assessed HRQoL dimensions, which underlines that the promotion of regular physical activity among children living in disadvantaged settings is an important public health measure. Policy makers should encourage schools to create physical activity friendly environments, while schools should implement regular physical education as proposed by the school curriculum.

【 授权许可】

Unknown