Sedentary Lifestyle and Wellness in Kaduna State, Nigeria

The study examined the differences in the sedentary lifestyle of rural and urban people of Kaduna State, Nigeria. It also investigated the series of health problems suffered by the people of the State as a result of their sedentary lifestyle. A descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The sample consisted of individuals from the age of 18 years living in both the rural and urban areas of Kaduna State as at the time of the study. A total of 1350 respondents were randomly selected through a multistage cluster random sampling technique from the three (3) senatorial districts of the state. A structured questionnaire developed and pilot-tested was used to collect relevant data from the respondents. The data gathered from the study were analysed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics, i. e., student t-test and chi-square analysis. The results revealed that urban people of Kaduna State engaged in sedentary lifestyle more than their rural counterparts hence, health problems suffered by the people of Kaduna State are significantly related to their sedentary lifestyle. The paper recommends public health education to reduce health problems like obesity, hypertension, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases caused by a sedentary lifestyle mostly among the urban residents of Kaduna State. 16 RAHEEM ADARAMAJA SHEHU, ALI ARAZEEM ABDULLAHI AND D. SHADE ADEKEYE appearance and a substantial reduction of several cancers, premature mortality, obesity, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, non-insulin dependent diabetes and osteoporosis. Moreover, physical activity or exercise aids cardiovascular and respiratory functions, slows the loss of muscular strength, increases bone mass, aids digestion and bowel functions, promotes sound sleep and prevents depression. Physical inactivity or sedentary lifestyle on the other hand helps to develop these diseases. David (2002) reported a high risk of non-fatal cardiac diseases for women in the sedentary control group in comparison with the active group. He added that regular physical activity has significant benefits for health and well-being. He suggested 30 minutes of moderate activities each day because it improves health status and reduces the risk of developing certain conditions or diseases. According to him, the 30 minutes can be accumulated in shorter bouts of 10 minute walks. Moderate activity is good and energetic, but should be at a level at which conversation can be maintained. This was also supported by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (1996). This research project therefore examined the sedentary lifestyle of rural and urban people of Kaduna State with a view to proffer suggestions that will reduce health problems associated with sedentary lifestyle among the study population. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM The prevalence of obesity continues to increase in Nigeria, particularly in Kaduna State, the provincial headquarters of the former Northern region. The factors that appear to be most responsible are sedentary behaviour patterns and excessive fat in the diet. There is a scarcity of both national and international epidemiological studies assessing the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles in the area. However, sedentary lifestyle is a practice or way of life that involves no physical activity and longer time spans of sitting (No participation in activities and long time sitting Down-NP +LSD). However, attempts to encourage individuals to adopt and more active lifestyle and to maintain low-fat have not been very successful in producing significant and long lasting weight loss resulting from a sedentary lifestyle. The conception that physical activity is not needed or that one’s daily occupation provides enough follows the wrong assumption. Sedentary behaviours reduce cardiovascular fitness, leading to reduced energy, making exercise loss likely. Therefore, is there any difference in the sedentary lifestyle of rural and urban people of Kaduna State? Of what importance is physical activity or exercise in the reduction of health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle among the people of Kaduna State? These are the questions addressed by this study. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY