Geographic disparities in physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep time, and gross motor skills in Nigerian preschoolers

Bibliographic Data

ID22087736
AuthorsJohn Oginni (0009-0001-3063-7577, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, corresponding author), Oluwayomi Aoko (University of Lagos), Ekundayo Ajiborisade (University of Lagos), Chukwuebuka Osuji (New Mexico State University), Anthony D Okely (0000-0002-1626-8170, University of Wollongong), Kar Hau Chong (0000-0002-3893-4306, University of Wollongong), Penny Cross (0000-0002-3963-2107, University of Wollongong), Penny L Cross, Zan Gao (0000-0002-6037-0439, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume13
Pages1506705-1506705
Publication date2025-03-13
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1506705
PMID40182515
OpenAlexW4408418894
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited45

Background Adherence to physical activity guidelines is crucial for children’s physical, social, and cognitive well-being. While previous research shows that about 77% of preschoolers meet the World Health Organization (WHO) physical activity guidelines, differences in outcomes based on geographic locations are unclear. This study examines disparities in physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and gross motor skills between rural and urban preschoolers. Methods The study involved 131 healthy preschoolers (3.4 ± 0.8 years) from Lagos State, Nigeria. Participants wore ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers on their hips for at least 72 h per week. Socio-demographic data were collected using a parent-reported survey. Physical activity (light, moderate-vigorous) and sedentary time were measured using accelerometers, while gross motor skills were assessed using a modified version of the NIH Toolbox. Independent sample t-tests tested the difference between the two groups. Results No significant difference in sleep time (t = −0.22, p = 0.83) was found between urban and rural preschoolers. However, significant differences were observed in sedentary time (t = −3.49, p < 0.01, d = −0.67), light-intensity physical activity (LPA; t = 3.07, p < 0.01, d = 0.62), moderate-to vigorous-physical activity (MVPA; t = 4.77, p < 0.01, d = 0.91), and all gross motor skills ( p < 0.05). Urban children exhibited more sedentary time and lower gross motor skill scores. Conclusion Rural preschoolers demonstrated higher physical activity levels and better gross motor skills than urban preschoolers. There is a pressing need for intervention programs to enhance physical activity and gross motor skills and reduce sedentary time among urban preschoolers

Developmental psychology · Gross motor skill · Motor skill · Physical activity · Physical therapy · Sedentary behavior · Sedentary lifestyle · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Children's Physical and Motor Development · Demography · Medicine · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Psychology · Gerontology

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access