Physical activity vital sign assessment and associated health outcomes in an underserved South African community

Physical activity is particularly low in South Africa and contributes to chronic conditions. This study aimed to determine physical activity levels in a South African community, using the physical activity vital sign (PAVS), and identify associations between physical activity and key health outcomes.

A cross-sectional study used community health workers to collect PAVS data, blood pressure and self-reported medical history from 2282 participants living in Soweto, Johannesburg. Physical activity was defined as meeting or not meeting WHO guidelines of ≥ 150 min/week. Hypertension was defined according to the International Society of Hypertension guidelines.

The study population included 1161 women and 1121 men. Administering the PAVS was quick (29.5 ± 43.4 s). Only 19.8% of the total population reported meeting the guidelines, and it was significantly lower in women (17.6%) compared with men (22.1%). The logistic regression models demonstrated significant association between not meeting physical activity guidelines and hypertension (adjusted odd ratio [AOR] 0.77, 95% CI 0.61–0.97, p = 0.032), current smoking (AOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.97, p = 0.030) and past smoking (AOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.44–0.83, p = 0.002).

This study demonstrates the validity of using the PAVS in an underserved community. The observed associations highlight the potential of advocating physical activity as a feasible intervention for improving the health of urban-dwelling Black South Africans.