Determinants of children’s participation in organised physical activities: a case of Kawempe division-Kampala Uganda

Abstract

The study aimed at establishing determinants of participation in Organised Physical Activities among primary school age going children (7-15 years) in Kawempe Division using descriptive cross sectional design. A sample size of 433 respondents was selected and data was collected from 265 respondents (15 LC II, 10 coaches, 12 PES teachers and 228 children) using questionnaires, interviews guides, observation guides and document analysis. Analysis of quantitative data was through frequencies and percentages and qualitative data was through content framework using Nvivo software (QRS International). The study involved 99 children outside school with 92 (93%) boys and seven (7%) girls and 129 children inside school with 66 (51%) girls and 63 (49%) boys. Children between the age of 7-9 years 34 (34%), 10-12 years 46 (47%) and 13-15 years 19 (19%) participated outside school. Both in and outside school, team activities were more offered. The study revealed that demographic factors such as gender and age; socio-economic support from parents, coaches and teachers; built environment including availability of facilities, safety and security of areas and perceived benefits were determinants of children participation in OPA. The study concluded that there are factors negatively affecting children’s participation and interventional strategies need to be devised to improve participation in OPA. The study recommended that all children should be motivated and offered opportunities to get more active through funding OPA both inside and outside school.