Association between environmental factors and physical activity participation among residents of ife central local government area

Several factors have been identified in the decline of regular participation in physical activity (PA). However, there is dearth of data on the influence of environmental factors on physical activity participation in Nigeria. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of environmental factor on physical activity among adults in a semi- urban community in Nigeria. This cross-sectional study recruited 387 respondents whose age ranged between 18-70 years old from Ile- Ife, Ife Central Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to recruit respondents. Socio demographic data were assessed. Physical activity level and perception of environmental factors as related to physical activity participation were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Neighborhood and Environmental Walkability Scale respectively. There were more male 226 (58.4%) than female 161 (41.6%) and more than half of the respondent 206 (53.2%) were employed with a mean age of 34.03 ± 11.9 years. Majority of the respondents 194 (55.1%) reported a low physical activity level. More than half of the respondents 216 (55.8%) had sufficient physical activity recommended level of 150m/wk. There was no significant different between physical activity level of male and female (p>0.05). Pleasant neighborhood surroundings and safety from traffic was significantly associated with regular participation in physical activity (p<0.01). Furthermore, the safety from crime in the community was significantly associated with increased physical activity participation (P< 0.05). Surveyed adult residents of Ile- Ife in Ife Central Local Government Area reported a low level of physical activity participation. Perceived environmental factors including pleasant neighborhood, safety from traffic and crime were significantly associated with physical activity participation.