Attitude of Junior and Senior High School Students Towards Physical Activity in Abetifi-Kwahu. a Mixed Method Approach

Purpose: Compare the attitudes of junior high and senior high school students towards physical activity (PA) and further determine the prevalence of PA among them. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional mixed-method approach was employed: The study involving 725 participants aged 12-19 from five junior high schools and a senior high school in Abetifi-Kwahu assessed their attitudes towards PA using interview and the Student’s Attitude toward Physical Activity Skill questionnaire, considering social experience, health and fitness, aesthetic experience, and catharsis. Four dimensions of attitudes were considered, namely: social experience, health and fitness, aesthetic experience, and catharsis. Results: The data was analyzed using statistical means, frequencies, and percentages. The results of the study showed that JHS and SHS students in Abetifi have a favorable attitude towards PA, and they like to participate in such activities to improve their health. There was no significant difference in the attitudes of JHS and SHS students towards physical activity. Most of the participants were aware of the benefits related to participating in PA. The findings also revealed that the prevalence of PA among JHS and SHS students was high, with walking and jogging being the most highly rated PA. Discussion: The study attests to the fact that because all the students reside in the same environment, there is no point in diverting from the normal, irrespective of age, religion, gender, or school level. This attests to the fact that the environment plays a significant role in the lives of students and every individual. The study recommended that a massive sensitization campaign on PA and its benefits to our health be promoted by institutions, and health institutions.