AUTHOR=Oginni John , Aoko Oluwayomi , Ajiborisade Ekundayo , Osuji Chukwuebuka , Okely Anthony D. , Chong Kar Hau , Cross Penny L. , Gao Zan 

TITLE=Geographic disparities in physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep time, and gross motor skills in Nigerian preschoolers

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1506705

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2025.1506705

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=BackgroundAdherence to physical activity guidelines is crucial for children’s physical, social, and cognitive well-being. While previous research shows that about 77% of preschoolers meet the World Health Organization (WHO) physical activity guidelines, differences in outcomes based on geographic locations are unclear. This study examines disparities in physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and gross motor skills between rural and urban preschoolers.MethodsThe study involved 131 healthy preschoolers (3.4 ± 0.8 years) from Lagos State, Nigeria. Participants wore ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers on their hips for at least 72 h per week. Socio-demographic data were collected using a parent-reported survey. Physical activity (light, moderate-vigorous) and sedentary time were measured using accelerometers, while gross motor skills were assessed using a modified version of the NIH Toolbox. Independent sample t-tests tested the difference between the two groups.ResultsNo significant difference in sleep time (t = −0.22, p = 0.83) was found between urban and rural preschoolers. However, significant differences were observed in sedentary time (t = −3.49, p < 0.01, d = −0.67), light-intensity physical activity (LPA; t = 3.07, p < 0.01, d = 0.62), moderate-to vigorous-physical activity (MVPA; t = 4.77, p < 0.01, d = 0.91), and all gross motor skills (p < 0.05). Urban children exhibited more sedentary time and lower gross motor skill scores.ConclusionRural preschoolers demonstrated higher physical activity levels and better gross motor skills than urban preschoolers. There is a pressing need for intervention programs to enhance physical activity and gross motor skills and reduce sedentary time among urban preschoolers.