Physical activity among adolescents in Vava’u, Tonga - A Rapid Assessment study

Abstract

Master Thesis, Programme in Medicine. TITLE: Physical activity among adolescents in Tonga- a Rapid Assessment study. AUTHOR: Simon Larsson, 2014, Department of Public Health, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden. Supervisors: Gianluca Tognon, Reynold ‘Ofanoa. Introduction: Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for mortality globally. The Southern Pacific region is worst struck by the associated obesity epidemic and in Tonga 92.1 % of the adults are overweight or obese. The sedentary lifestyle is established in adolescence and is considered a combination of globalization and sociocultural factors- which especially disfavors women to conduct physical activity. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of physical activity among adolescents in Tonga to identify possible barriers and facilitators. Methods: The study was set in the town of Neiafu, in the Vava’u island group of Tonga. Data was mostly collected from students, aged ~ 15 years, and their teachers. A Rapid Assessment methodology was used and collection methods mainly consisted of Semi-Structured Interviews (n = 19) and Focus Group Discussions (n = 6, participants n = 46). Results and discussion: Team sports are the most popular among the students: for girls netball and soccer, for boys rugby and soccer. The Tonga Health Promotion Foundation was well-known among both students and teachers. Barriers were by students mostly identified at an environmental level. Teachers mostly identified barriers on a more general Social-Ecological level. Facilitators were mostly identified on an individual level. The suggestions proposed were mostly on a more general community and societal level. This is an explorative study and conclusions are also limited by the small sample size. Conclusion: Physical activity among adolescents is influenced by many factors on different levels. The lack of opportunity for continuous physical activity is evident and sociocultural factors are especially important to address the issue.