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<p>Sedentary behaviour has emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly among young adults. In Nigeria, where there is a growing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles among university students, understanding the patterns and implications of sedentary behaviour is essential for developing effective interventions. This study aimed to analyse the sedentary physical activity and behaviour of Nigerian students aged 18–25, focusing on activity clusters, daily and hourly sedentary durations, sedentary bouts and their categories, as well as the timing of breaks and transitions between activity states. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilising objective data collection methods through smartphone sensors. Data were gathered from 16 participants over a week, capturing various physical activity metrics, including sedentary duration, break times, and transitions between activity states. The data were analysed using statistical methods to identify patterns in sedentary behaviour, including the frequency and duration of breaks, as well as the impact of time of day and weekday versus weekend variations. The analysis revealed significant variability in sedentary behaviours among participants. Activity clusters indicated that most participants exhibited a predominant sedentary state, with extended periods of inactivity, particularly during the afternoon. Daily sedentary durations ranged widely, with participants like P4 and P11 showing higher total sedentary times (100.48&#xa0;h and 177.85&#xa0;h, respectively), while P7 and P15 maintained lower durations. Hourly analysis identified peak sedentary periods often occurring in the late afternoon or evening, with minimal activity in the morning. Sedentary bouts were characterised by a mix of frequent short breaks, especially in participants like P3 and P11, alongside longer, less frequent bouts in others, such as P1 and P5. Notably, the analysis of breaks highlighted that while some participants frequently interrupted their sedentary behaviour, others remained sedentary for prolonged durations. Markov chain modelling of transitions indicated a strong tendency for participants to revert to a sedentary state after periods of rest or light activity. This study underscores the critical need for tailored interventions targeting sedentary behaviour among Nigerian university students. The findings highlight significant patterns of prolonged inactivity and limited movement between activity states, suggesting that personalised strategies should be developed to encourage regular physical activity, particularly during identified peak sedentary times. By addressing the unique patterns of sedentary behaviour observed in this demographic, interventions can better combat the associated health risks of excessive sedentary lifestyles. Further research involving larger and more diverse populations is recommended to enhance understanding and inform effective policy measures aimed at promoting physical activity in Nigeria.</p>

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Patterns of sedentary behaviour and physical activity among nigerian university students

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年1月31日

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  • Oluwande Adewoyin,
  • Ibiwumi Ayo-Ajayi

摘要

Sedentary behaviour has emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly among young adults. In Nigeria, where there is a growing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles among university students, understanding the patterns and implications of sedentary behaviour is essential for developing effective interventions. This study aimed to analyse the sedentary physical activity and behaviour of Nigerian students aged 18–25, focusing on activity clusters, daily and hourly sedentary durations, sedentary bouts and their categories, as well as the timing of breaks and transitions between activity states. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilising objective data collection methods through smartphone sensors. Data were gathered from 16 participants over a week, capturing various physical activity metrics, including sedentary duration, break times, and transitions between activity states. The data were analysed using statistical methods to identify patterns in sedentary behaviour, including the frequency and duration of breaks, as well as the impact of time of day and weekday versus weekend variations. The analysis revealed significant variability in sedentary behaviours among participants. Activity clusters indicated that most participants exhibited a predominant sedentary state, with extended periods of inactivity, particularly during the afternoon. Daily sedentary durations ranged widely, with participants like P4 and P11 showing higher total sedentary times (100.48 h and 177.85 h, respectively), while P7 and P15 maintained lower durations. Hourly analysis identified peak sedentary periods often occurring in the late afternoon or evening, with minimal activity in the morning. Sedentary bouts were characterised by a mix of frequent short breaks, especially in participants like P3 and P11, alongside longer, less frequent bouts in others, such as P1 and P5. Notably, the analysis of breaks highlighted that while some participants frequently interrupted their sedentary behaviour, others remained sedentary for prolonged durations. Markov chain modelling of transitions indicated a strong tendency for participants to revert to a sedentary state after periods of rest or light activity. This study underscores the critical need for tailored interventions targeting sedentary behaviour among Nigerian university students. The findings highlight significant patterns of prolonged inactivity and limited movement between activity states, suggesting that personalised strategies should be developed to encourage regular physical activity, particularly during identified peak sedentary times. By addressing the unique patterns of sedentary behaviour observed in this demographic, interventions can better combat the associated health risks of excessive sedentary lifestyles. Further research involving larger and more diverse populations is recommended to enhance understanding and inform effective policy measures aimed at promoting physical activity in Nigeria.