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

Gradidge, Philippe Jean-Luc; Crouch, Simone H.; Thornton, Jane; Matsena Zingoni, Zvifadzo; Torres, Georgia; Stoutenberg, Mark; Kolkenbeck-Ruh, Andrea; Woodiwiss, Angela J.; Mhlaba, Mimi; Ware, Lisa J.

Abstract

Background
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.

Methods
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.

Results
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).

Conclusions
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.

Citation

Gradidge, P. J.-L., Crouch, S. H., Thornton, J., Matsena Zingoni, Z., Torres, G., Stoutenberg, M., Kolkenbeck-Ruh, A., Woodiwiss, A. J., Mhlaba, M., & Ware, L. J. (online). Physical activity vital sign assessment and associated health outcomes in an underserved South African community. Journal of Public Health, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-024-02292-1

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 17, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jun 3, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jul 24, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Public Health
• Print ISSN: 0943-1853
• Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
• Publisher: Springer
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-024-02292-1
• Keywords: public health; South Africa; physical activity; assessment
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2611391
• Additional Information: This article is available via open access at : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-024-02292-1