GENDER AND AGE DIFFERENCES IN THE PREVALENCE OF PHYSICAL INACTIVITY AMONG STUDENTS OF COLLEGE OF EDUCATION WAKA-BIU, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated gender and age differences in the prevalence of physical inactivity among students of College of Education Waka-Biu, Borno State, Nigeria. Physical inactivity has become a major public health concern globally, particularly among tertiary institution students who often engage in sedentary behaviours due to academic demands, prolonged use of digital devices, and limited participation in recreational activities. The study was guided by two objectives which were to determine the differences in physical inactivity between male and female students and among students of different age groups. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of 2,407 students from the College of Education Waka-Biu, from which a sample of 241 students was selected using a 10% sampling technique across three schools, although 240 properly completed questionnaires were used for analysis. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with sections on demographic characteristics and physical inactivity behaviours. The instrument was validated by experts in Physical and Health Education and Public Health, and its reliability coefficient was 0.77. Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages) were used to answer research questions, while Chi-square analysis was used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that physical inactivity was prevalent among the students, with low levels of awareness of the importance of exercise and limited engagement in regular physical activity. Most respondents reported short durations of exercise, low frequency of participation, and minimal intention to engage in physical activity. The Chi-square analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the prevalence of physical inactivity between male and female students. It was also found that there was a significant difference in physical inactivity among students of different age groups. These findings indicate that both gender and age significantly influence physical activity behaviour among students of the College of Education Waka-Biu. The study concludes that physical inactivity is a significant issue among students and is influenced by demographic factors such as gender and age. It is recommended that the institution should strengthen physical education programmes, improve awareness on the benefits of physical activity, provide accessible recreational facilities, and develop targeted interventions for high-risk groups such as females and older students.