Correlates of Physical Activity Among Adults in Botswana: Sociodemographic Factors, Health Status, and Body Image

Abstract

Background: Growing evidence of lower physical activity (PA), higher sedentary behavior, and prevalence of overweight and obesity in African countries calls for more research on PA behavior and its various correlates in this context. This study examined the proportion of adults meeting World Health Organization PA guidelines from 3 urban regions of Botswana, as well as the relationship among sociodemographic factors, body image, and participation in moderate to vigorous PA. Methods: Using a 2-stage stratified cluster sampling approach, cross-sectional data were collected from 699 participants (females = 66%; M = 32.60 y; SD = 11.96). Results: Overall, 45.8% of participants met World Health Organization PA guidelines. Censored regression analyses indicated that females (B = −221.573, P < .001), and individuals from middle- (B = −331.913, P < .001), and high-income (B = −165.185, P = .036) households spent significantly less minutes in moderate to vigorous PA per week. Evaluative (B = −333.200, P < .001) and affective (B = −158.753, P = .038) components of body image were associated with significantly less minutes spent in moderate to vigorous PA per week. Conclusions: A systematic approach to PA promotion that targets females, middle- to high-income groups, and individuals experiencing body image concerns is needed.