Browsing by Author "Bileha, Respis"

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    Health-related fitness Antong primary school children in Dar es Salaam Tanzania.
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2011) Bileha, Respis
    In recent decades, young people have decreased their levels of physical activity than their counterparts of previous generations. This has been linked to increase of prevalence of fitness factors like overweight and obesity and risks for several negative health consequences, including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, especially in later adulthood, and even to low academic achievement. Beside advancement of technology and urbanization, limited opportunity to physical activity in schools has been cited to contribute to the problem among school children, especially in urban areas. The present study determined status of health-related fitness among primary school children as another approach for evaluation of children's physical activity, especially in schools. Specifically, we assessed cardio- respiratory capacity, amount of body fatness and distribution of body fatness. Well established and contextually appropriate test were used. Notably, the 1-mile run/walk test was used to assess cardio-respiratory endurance; the body mass index test (BMI) was used to assess amount of body fatness; and the waist-to-hip ratio test (WHR) was used to assess distribution of body fatness. The study revealed that 11% had adverse aerobic capacity and approximately 10% and 4% had weight status considered as overweight and obese respectively. About 32% were underweight, with about 11% at extremely underweight. The study recommended harmonization of physical activities in schools as a crucial component for lifelong and active lifestyle. Physical education needs to be improved through allocation of enough time for active physical activity programs and improvement of school facilities for physical activity, including playing fields.