AUTHOR=Biadgilign Sibhatu , Gebremichael Bereket , Abera Admas , Moges Tsedey 

TITLE=Gender Difference and Correlates of Physical Activity Among Urban Children and Adolescents in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.731326

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2022.731326

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=Background: Studies indicated that children and adolescent populations in most countries show a low level of physical activity and, contributing to an increasing prevalence of obesity. Addressing gender disparity in physical activity is the main element of public health program. However, there is currently a paucity of evidence, particularly in developing countries, that investigate gender difference and correlates of physical activity among children and adolescents. 
Objective: The study aimed to assess the gender difference and correlates of physical activity among children and adolescents in Ethiopia.
Methods: A population based cross-sectional study was conducted in representative samples of children and adolescents in the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. Multivariable logistic regression models with robust estimation of standard errors were fitted to predict the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). 
Results: A total of 632 children and adolescents-parent dyads were included in the study. More boys than girls (17.0% and 11.7%) engaged in moderate intensity physical activity three days a week or more (p=0.057). Age, mother’s working in a private business, attending public schools, longer sleep duration and being thought of the benefits of physical activity were positively associated with meeting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA) in both boys and girls and in a sub-sample of boys. Furthermore, an inverse association was found between overweight/obesity and MVPA in the overall children and girls as well. For moderate physical activity (MPA); age of the children, maternal education and occupation, school type, overweight/obesity and sleep duration on school nights were significant correlates in both girls and boys children. 
Conclusions: The present study provided evidence on several correlates of physical activity in both boys and girls. Girls were less likely to engage in physical activity than boys. Therefore, we recommend the government to take into perspectives on the provision of a comprehensive multifaceted health behavior modification and interventions.