A study of after school physical activity and weight status of Maltese 10-year olds

Abstract

Maltese children are on top of the list for sedentary behaviour. Studies show that overall activity is low and this might be resulting in increased level of obesity. This study researched the physical activity levels of a sample of 250 (138 boys and 112 girls) 10-11-year-old children after school hours and the contribution to the average daily physical activity. Results were analysed by gender, weight status and school type to explore any differences in patterns of activity. Physical activity was measured objectively using accelerometers (worn for 5 days). Selfreport questionnaires were used to analyse exercise and leisure habits, while height and weight were measured to compute BMI, an index of obesity. Gender differences were studied using t-test, while school type and weight status differences were analysed with ANOVA. Chi-square test analysed differences in percentage results. The study has shown that 37% of boys and only 10.7% of girls reached the recommended MVPA of 60min a day. From the sample 65% have a healthy weight while 17.6% and 16.8% are overweight and obese respectively. On average students engaged in only 27.4 minutes of MVPA of which 20.8 minutes are done between 2.00-6.59pm. The results coming out of this study clearly demonstrate that actions need to be taken urgently in order to promote physical activity and reach at least 60 minutes of MVPA daily. Results show that between 2.00-11.59pm, instead of engaging in PA children are opting for other leisure activities. In fact, 13.7% of boys and 8.1% of girls watch over 2 hours of television every day. This is higher on weekends (28.3% for boys and 26% for girls).